Rashford’s Porto Sacking Sparks Debate: Has Ten Hag Lost Faith?
Manchester United’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League has left fans scratching their heads, particularly over Erik ten Hag’s decision to substitute Marcus Rashford at half-time. The 24-year-old forward had opened the scoring with a clinical finish, but his evening was cut short by the Dutch manager’s tactical switch.
Ten Hag attempted to downplay the substitution, citing rotation as the reason for Rashford’s exit. However, his explanation has been met with skepticism by many, including former Premier League midfielder Don Hutchison. "I’m not buying it," Hutchison said. "Marcus Rashford was playing really well and looked sharp in the first half. So at 2-2, are you going to tell me that he’s been taken off because Ten Hag’s got an eye on the Aston Villa game? If you’re winning 2-0 or 3-0 and you take him off because you’re trying to protect the player and give him fewer minutes going into the Villa game, that’s totally understandable."
Instead, Hutchison speculates that there may have been an argument or conflict at half-time that led to Rashford’s substitution. "That can happen," he said. "That’s what I’d be leaning towards. I could be wrong, but that’s what I’m leaning towards." Rashford has been in excellent form this season, netting four goals in all competitions. His exclusion from the second half of the Porto match has raised questions about his status in the team ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
United’s quick turnaround after the Europa League tie could have played a role in Ten Hag’s decision to rest Rashford. The Red Devils face Villa just 72 hours later, and the Dutch manager may be looking to give his players a breather to avoid fatigue. However, with Rashford’s performances in recent weeks, many fans will be wondering if he’s lost his coach’s trust.
Will Rashford start against Villa, or will Ten Hag stick with Alejandro Garnacho, who replaced him in the second half against Porto? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – United’s supporters will be eagerly awaiting the team news ahead of the big match.
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