Erik ten Hag criticises Marcus Rashford with surprise explanation for Porto substitution

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has admitted he was unhappy with Marcus Rashford's defending in his side's 3-3 draw with Porto on Thursday.

United roared into a two-goal lead inside 20 minutes after Rashford opened the scoring and assisted Rasmus Hojlund but, after Porto tied it up before half-time, the 26-year-old did not emerge for the second half and was instead replaced by Alejandro Garnacho.

Many United fans questioned Ten Hag's decision to withdraw an in-form Rashford and, while the boss tried to point to fitness issues as an explanation for his call, he soon confessed Rashford's defensive work had not impressed him.

"I have to watch it back and over the left side, definitely we didn't defend well tonight," Ten Hag said. "Marcus also played a part in this but as I say it had to do with Garnacho coming on - and nothing against Rashford.

"We have to rotate. We have a tough game on Sunday [against Aston Villa] and we need players fresh."

The draw means United have now won just three of their last ten games under Ten Hag, who warned critics not to jump to conclusions about his side.

"Don't judge us in this moment," he stressed. "I judge us at the end of the season. We are in the process. Just wait. We have to develop this team. We will work and continue. We will fight."

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