‘We have to rotate’ – Ten Hag explains Rashford substitution vs FC Porto

1 month ago 19
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Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between FC Porto and Manchester United at Estadio do Dragao on October 03, 2024 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)



Marcus Rashford was Manchester United’s best player in the first half.

After opening the scoring against FC Porto, in a game that ended in a 3-3 draw, Rashford terrorised the Portuguese side’s full-back for the entire first half.

Erik ten Hag decided to substitute Rashford at half-time with a decision that shocked the majority of United fans.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Ten Hag revealed that he replaced Garnacho to rotate his players and give Alejandro Garnacho time on the pitch.

The manager also downplayed reports that Rashford had sustained an injury.

“We have to rotate,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports. “On Sunday we have another hard game, we need players to be fit and fresh. We had to play Garnacho. We go quickly to Villa. They have an extra day to recover.”

“Don’t judge us in this moment, wait until the end of the season. We’re in a process.”

Erik ten Hag has full belief in his squad moving forward 💪

🎙 @DannyJamieson pic.twitter.com/TQKllMyNGA

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 3, 2024

United have another crucial game this weekend when they travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League. Unai Emery’s side are in-form after beating FC Bayern Munich on Wednesday night in the Champions League.

Let us know in the comments section if you think Rashford or Garnacho (perhaps both) will start on Sunday against Villa.

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