Ten Hag criticizes Rashford at Porto but denies substitution was a penalty | Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag criticized 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 striker was taken off for it at half-time, explaining it was just a rotation of his squad.

United took a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes at the Estádio do Dragão through Rashford and Rasmus Højlund, but let it slip away when Pepê and Samu equalized for Porto seven minutes into the first half. Pepê’s goal came from a cross to Rashford’s left flank and the coach was asked if that was why he replaced him with Alejandro Garnacho.

Ten Hag said: “I have to be careful going back and down the left side, we definitely didn’t defend well tonight. Marcus also played a role in that, but as I said, it had to do with the substitution of Garnacho – and nothing against Rashford. We have to rotate. We have a tough game on Sunday (at Villa Park) and we need fresh players.” Ten Hag explained that he had spoken about the sloppy defense at half-time, but was let down five minutes into the second half when Samu hit again.

“Then it’s really difficult if we tackle the problem at half-time and then concede the third goal, that’s unnecessary,” said Ten Hag. “So defensively is of no use again and it also depends on a certain level of preparedness.

“But after a moment like that I have to praise the boys: how they come back into the game, how they fight, how we find a way to equalize.”

This came in stoppage time from a header from Harry Maguire after Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second game in a row. An inquest took place in United’s dressing room after the game.

Ten Hag is fighting to save his job after a resounding start to the season, so the comeback is welcome. He said, “Don’t judge us at this moment. I’ll judge us at the end of the season. We are in. Just wait. We have to develop this team further. We will work and keep going. We will fight.”