Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, explained why he replaced Marcus Rashford at half-time of the Europa League match in Porto (3-3) despite a goal and an assist from his striker.
The explanations will not necessarily improve his already very low rating in Manchester. Erik ten Hag assumes having replaced Marcus Rashford at half-time of the Europa League match in Porto (3-3) on Thursday. However, his attacker shone in the first act with a goal and an assist for Rasmus Hojlund. But he did not return to the field after the break, giving way to Alejandro Garnacho. For a story of rotation.
“On Sunday we have another difficult match”
“We had to rotate,” he said the Dutch technician. “Garnacho, we did not start him, he had a great match not only on Sunday (defeat against Tottenham, 0-3, Editor’s note) but throughout the season. Sunday, we have another difficult match (on the pitch). ‘Aston Villa), a good match, so we need players available, fit and fresh.”
He insists, explaining that he had to manage because of the short preparation time before the clash in Birmingham. “We have a quick follow-up with Villa,” he remarked. “They have an extra day of recovery, we have an away game, so we want fresh players on the pitch on Sunday.”
The Red Devils, winners of the FA Cup last season, are mired in crisis with a thirteenth place in the Premier League after six days, with already three defeats, including two 3-0 at home against Liverpool then Tottenham last Sunday. A perilous trip awaits them on Sunday in the championship, on the field of Aston Villa, who defeated Bayern Munich (1-0) on Wednesday in the Champions League.