Erik ten Hag defends Marcus Rashford's half-time substitution: “We have to rotate”

Erik ten Hag says Marcus Rashford was substituted at half-time in Manchester United's Europa League draw with Porto to keep him “fit and fresh” for Sunday's Premier League game against Aston Villa.

The 26-year-old striker was subbed off at half-time and replaced by Alejandro Garnacho, despite scoring a goal and setting up another in the first half at the Estadio do Dragao.

“We have to rotate,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports.

“We have another tough game on Sunday so we need players who are available and fit and fresh,” he added.

Asked if Rashford was fit to play in the second half, he replied: “We're moving quickly to Villa, they have an extra day, we have an away game so we want fresh players on the pitch on Sunday. “

Rashford gave United the lead after just seven minutes with his fourth goal of the season. He became provider 13 minutes later, feeding Rasmus Hojlund to give the visitors the lead.

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Ten Hag was later asked to comment on Rashford's defense for Porto's first goal after the striker failed to block the cross for Pepe's headed attempt.

“As I said, I have to keep in mind and think that we definitely didn't defend well on the left tonight – Marcus also played a role in that,” he said.

Ten Hag added that Garnacho was United's “best player on Sunday by far” and stressed that the move was “nothing against Rashy (Rashford)”.

Samu Omorodion, who was on the verge of joining Chelsea in the summer, scored twice either side of the break to put the hosts ahead.

Porto appeared to be on course for victory when Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a second yellow card, but substitute Harry Maguire salvaged a point for the visitors with a header in stoppage time.

The result means United have won just one of their last 10 games in European competition under Ten Hag, extending their current winning streak to four games in all competitions.

United, 13th in the Premier League before the trip to Villa Park, have won just three of their first nine games of the new season.

(Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)