Ten Hag denies Rashford substitution was punishment

Manager unhappy with United’s defending in Porto

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford tries ro drive the ball past Porto's Pepe, left, during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Erik ten Hag has criticised Marcus Rashford for his part in the poor defending that allowed Porto’s opening goal in Manchester United’s 3-3 draw with Porto, but denied the forward was taken off for this at half-time, stating it was simply to rotate his squad.

United raced into a 2-0 lead on 20 minutes at Estádio do Dragão through Rashford and Rasmus Højlund but let this slip as Pepê and Samu drew Porto level across seven first-half minutes. Pepê’s goal derived from a cross along Rashford’s left flank and the manager was asked if this was why he replaced him with Alejandro Garnacho.