Erik ten Hag offers shock explanation for Marcus Rashford substitution in chaotic Man United draw with Porto | OneFootball

The forward was withdrawn at half-time despite opening the scoring

Erik ten Hag has said Manchester United “have to rotate” after substituting Marcus Rashford off at half-time in his side’s chaotic 3-3 Europa League draw away to Porto.

It appeared the only reason he might come off is due to an injury, but Ten Hag insisted it was part of time-management, with Alejandro Garnacho, who came on in his place, also needing minutes.

Ten Hag later added in a press conference: "Garnacho was my best player on Sunday by far. Over the left side we didn't defend well and Marcus also plays a part in this. But it was about Garnacho and nothing against Rashy."

The gamble did not pay off for the under-pressure United boss, who saw his side go 3-2 down and captain Bruno Fernandes sent off again, before Harry Maguire rescued a point in added time.

The game saw familiar failings for United under Ten Hag, but he insisted patience is needed despite the threat of the sack looming larger by the game.

“We will get there,” he said. “Don’t judge us in this moment. Judge us at the end of the season. I said the same last season. We are in a process.

“We have two seasons where we achieve finals. Just wait. We have to develop.”

United are next in action on Sunday when they travel to Villa Park to face Unai Emery’s high-flying side, on what might will be another pivotal encounter for Ten Hag’s future.