Marcus Rashford theory emerges as Erik ten Hag’s substitution questioned – ‘Not buying it’

Erik ten Hag took the unusual decision to remove Marcus Rashford at half-time during Manchester United’s 3-3 draw against Porto, citing the necessity for rotation.

According to Don Hutchison, Erik ten Hag certainly caught Marcus Rashford at halftime following a heated altercation in the Manchester United locker room.

Rashford came in as a replacement for Alejandro Garnacho in Thursday night’s Europa League draw against Porto. The decision was surprising given that Rashford had scored the first goal and put up Rasmus Hojlund to make it 2-0.

Porto rallied to tie the game at 2-2 at halftime, and when Garnacho was introduced on the left flank, Samu Omorodion scored his second goal of the night to put them ahead. Harry Maguire came off the bench to head in a corner in the 91st minute, earning United a draw, but Ten Hag’s choice to replace Rashford was a significant discussion point after the game.

“We have to rotate,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports. “Garnacho, we did not start him, but he has had a wonderful season. We have another challenging game on Sunday, so players must be accessible and fresh. We travel swiftly to [Aston] Villa [on Sunday]; they have a day longer, whereas we have an away game.”

That explanation did not persuade former Liverpool player Hutchison, who told TNT Sports: “I’m not buying it.” I’ve been in changing rooms at half-time, full-time, and before games, and it’s one of those situations where Erik ten Hag – and I’m not doubting him because he knows his guys and what’s happened – is speculating from the perspective of an ex-player.

“Marcus Rashford was playing really well and seemed sharp in the first half. So, at 2-2, are you going to tell me he’s been pulled off because Ten Hag is focused on the Aston Villa game? If you’re up 2-0 or 3-0 and you pull him off to protect the player and give him fewer minutes before the Villa game, that’s very reasonable.

“But while the game is tied 2-2 in a huge game, I don’t believe in rotation, so I’m wondering if there was a problem or debate at halftime. That is possible. That is what I would lean toward. I might be mistaken, but it is what I am leaning towards.”

Ten Hag stood firm during the post-match press conference. “We need to rotate. Alejandro Garnacho needs to play. We have a tough game against Aston Villa on Sunday, so we need our guys to be fresh,” he remarked.

“I’ll have to watch it again [Porto’s first goal], but I believe we didn’t defend properly tonight, especially on the left side, and Marcus had a role in this. But, as I already stated, it was all about Garnacho, not Rashy.”

Ten Hag’s selection of Rashford has been called into question for the second time in a few weeks, following his benching for the 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace. That decision produced a confrontation, with Jamie Redknapp claiming something “untoward” had occurred between Rashford and his boss, which Ten Hag described as “crazy.”.