Ten Hag: Man United players ‘switched off’ to destroy Porto lead

PORTO, Portugal (AP) — Erik ten Hag accused his players of “switching off” as Manchester United squandered a two-goal lead against FC Porto to draw 3-3 in the Europa League on Thursday.

United needed an injury-time equalizer from Harry Maguire, a second-half substitute, to salvage a point in Portugal.

Ten Hag’s team were 2-0 up after just 20 minutes at the Estadio do Dragao, but conceded two goals in seven minutes and equalized at half-time.

United conceded again just after the break and captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second game in a row before Maguire scored the late goal.

“It’s mixed emotions,” Ten Hag said at a news conference.

“We scored two great goals and then switched off. We don’t keep possession of the ball and defend, we switch off. We conceded the first goal completely unnecessarily, and then you light the fire in this stadium and it becomes very tough.”

“We talked about it at half-time, and then you concede a third goal, which is unnecessary. It’s no use defending again. This is also due to the willingness in some moments.”

“But then I have to praise the boys, how they come back into the game and how they fight and find a way to get the equalizer.”

Ten Hag also had to defend his decision to substitute Marcus Rashford at half-time.

Rashford scored United’s opener and looked good all evening, but was surprisingly replaced by Alejandro Garnacho at half-time.

Ten Hag initially said Rashford was substituted to keep the striker fresh ahead of Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa.

But in his press conference, the Dutchman suggested he had made the change after both of Porto’s first-half goals had come from crosses from Rashford’s side of the pitch.

“Garnacho was by far my best player on Sunday and in many other games too,” said Ten Hag when asked why Rashford was substituted.

“I think in the season as I see it so far, he is getting us on the offensive so far by creating chances, providing assists and also scoring goals. Garnacho, we had to use him too, and on top of that we have two very good players.” Page.

“I have to keep (the game) in mind and I think we definitely didn’t defend well on the left tonight and Marcus played a role in that too. But as I said, it had to do with Garnacho and nothing against Rashy.” .”