Ten Hag criticises Rashford in Porto but denies substitution was punishment

Erik ten Hag criticised 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 forward was taken off for this at half-time, stating it was simply to rotate his squad.

United raced into a 2-0 lead on 20 minutes at Estádio do Dragão through Rashford and Rasmus Højlund but let this slip as Pepê and Samu drew Porto level across seven first-half minutes. Pepê’s goal derived from a cross along Rashford’s left flank and the manager was asked if this was why he replaced him with Alejandro Garnacho.

Related: Harry Maguire rescues point for 10-man Manchester United after Porto pain

Ten Hag said: “I have to watch it back and over the left side, definitely we didn’t defend well tonight. Marcus also played a part in this but as I say it had to do with Garnacho coming on – and nothing against Rashford. We have to rotate. We have a tough game on Sunday [at Villa Park] and we need players fresh.” Ten Hag stated that at the interval he spoke about the slipshod defending but was let down five minutes into the second half as Samu scored again.

“Then it’s really tough as we address it in half-time and then you concede the third one, so unnecessary,” said Ten Hag. “So it’s no good defending again and it’s also to do with some willingness.

“But after such a moment I have to praise the guys: how they return in the game, how they fight, how we find a way to get the equaliser.”

This came in added time through a Harry Maguire header, coming after Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second game in succession. A post-game inquest was held in the United dressing room.

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