“How can you take off you best player at first half? He was never injured. Erik ten Hag need to be sacked”-Fans baffled and fumes as Erik ten Hag explains why Marcus Rashford was taken off at half-time against FC Porto.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag recently explained his decision to substitute Marcus Rashford at halftime during their Europa League match against FC Porto. Rashford, who has been facing challenges with his form lately, showed early promise by scoring the opening goal with an impressive display on the wing. Throughout the first half, he was a constant threat, repeatedly getting the better of Porto’s full-back, Joao Mario. Shortly after scoring, Rashford also assisted Rasmus Hojlund, helping United secure a 2-0 lead.
Despite Rashford’s standout performance, Ten Hag made the unexpected choice to replace him at halftime with Alejandro Garnacho, leaving fans and analysts puzzled. Many speculated that Rashford may have picked up an injury, but after the game, Ten Hag clarified his decision. Speaking to TNT Sports, the Dutch manager emphasized that the substitution was part of a planned rotation, explaining the need to keep the squad fresh for their upcoming Premier League clash against Aston Villa.
“We have to rotate,” Ten Hag stated. “We wanted to bring Garnacho on because he needs game time. There’s a quick turnaround for the Villa game, and we need fresh players on the pitch this Sunday.”
When pressed about whether Rashford could have played more minutes, Ten Hag reiterated the same point. “We need to play Garnacho. We’re up against Villa, who have had an extra day of rest, and it’s an away game. Fresh legs are important for us,” he added.
While Ten Hag’s explanation highlighted the tactical decision behind the substitution, Rashford’s strong showing in the first half left many fans unconvinced. The decision to take him off led to a wave of frustration and confusion on social media. One fan remarked: “FC Porto couldn’t handle Rashford, and yet Ten Hag substituted him because of some pre-agreed rotation plan! Unreal!”
Another fan echoed the disbelief, stating: “Wow. I assumed Rashford was subbed due to injury, but Ten Hag confirmed that wasn’t the case. Rashford was hands down the best player on the field in the first half. This doesn’t add up at all.”
The dissatisfaction didn’t end there. One fan exclaimed, “Ten Hag confirmed that Rashford’s substitution was purely for rotation purposes, not because of injury. That’s just ridiculous. He was easily the most effective player we had out there. What a baffling decision.”
Another fan took the criticism further: “So Ten Hag took off Rashford to rest him for the Villa game? The best player on the pitch, and our only real attacking threat? In a match that could potentially impact his future with the club? Absolute joke.”
A fifth fan added: “I can’t believe what I just heard. Ten Hag says he substituted Rashford for rotation. He was our best player in the first half! No wonder Rashford’s struggling with his form when decisions like this are being made. I’m done.”
The match ultimately ended in a 3-3 draw, with Harry Maguire scoring a late equalizer to salvage a point for United. Despite this, the result leaves Manchester United in a difficult position, as they currently sit in 21st place in the Europa League standings with just two points from their first two group stage matches.
