Why Rashford was withdrawn at half-time
Erik ten Hag has explained why Marcus Rashford was substituted at half-time of United's Europa League game against FC Porto.
The Reds' no.10 was arguably our outstanding player during the first 45 minutes of a wild encounter at the Estadio do Dragao, and opened the scoring inside just seven minutes.
Marcus then teed up our second, powered home by Rasmus Hojlund, in the 20th minute. Rashford continued to torment Porto right-back Joao Mario for the rest of the first period, though Porto managed to level before the half-time whistle.
However, when the teams returned after the interval, Alejandro Garnacho had taken to the pitch in place of his older colleague.
Marcus then teed up our second, powered home by Rasmus Hojlund, in the 20th minute. Rashford continued to torment Porto right-back Joao Mario for the rest of the first period, though Porto managed to level before the half-time whistle.
However, when the teams returned after the interval, Alejandro Garnacho had taken to the pitch in place of his older colleague.
Ten Hag: We have to perform for 90 mins Video
Ten Hag: We have to perform for 90 mins
Erik ten Hag shares his assessment of United's performance at Porto, after the Reds salvaged a point in stoppage time...
Post-match, Erik ten Hag shed some light on Rashford's removal.
“He is okay,” the Dutchman told MUTV, warding off any worries of an injury issue. “But also Alejandro Garnacho, he is, in the season, our attacking threat in this moment, and we brought him from the bench. We need fresh players also for Sunday so, yes, it was all in the plan.”
Later, when speaking to UK broadcaster TNT Sports, Erik elaborated further:
“We have to rotate. Garnacho, we didn't start him. He had a great game, not only on Sunday, but I think in the whole season. We sub them because on Sunday we have another hard game, a good game, so we need players to be available and be fit and be fresh. It's a quick turnaround to Villa. They have a day longer [to recover] and we have an away game, so we want fresh players on the pitch.”
“He is okay,” the Dutchman told MUTV, warding off any worries of an injury issue. “But also Alejandro Garnacho, he is, in the season, our attacking threat in this moment, and we brought him from the bench. We need fresh players also for Sunday so, yes, it was all in the plan.”
Later, when speaking to UK broadcaster TNT Sports, Erik elaborated further:
“We have to rotate. Garnacho, we didn't start him. He had a great game, not only on Sunday, but I think in the whole season. We sub them because on Sunday we have another hard game, a good game, so we need players to be available and be fit and be fresh. It's a quick turnaround to Villa. They have a day longer [to recover] and we have an away game, so we want fresh players on the pitch.”
United have just two days before that next encounter away to Premier League high-flyers Aston Villa.
Based on Ten Hag's update in Porto, and a problem-free next couple of days at Carrington, Rashford should be available to play at Villa Park.
The Villans warmed up for Sunday's fixture with an impressive 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
Based on Ten Hag's update in Porto, and a problem-free next couple of days at Carrington, Rashford should be available to play at Villa Park.
The Villans warmed up for Sunday's fixture with an impressive 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
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