In a thrilling Europa League match against Porto, Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford was unexpectedly substituted at halftime, leaving the score tied at 2-2.
This decision surprised many fans, especially after Rashford had opened the scoring for United early in the game.
A Promising Start
Rashford kicked off the match on a high note, showcasing his talent with a stunning solo goal just seven minutes in.
Cutting inside from the left, he displayed impressive skill before firing a shot that found the net, putting United ahead.
However, despite his strong start, he did not return for the second half, with Alejandro Garnacho taking his place on the pitch.
Porto’s Resilience
After Rashford’s goal, Rasmus Hojlund extended United’s lead to 2-0, but Porto responded with determination.
Veteran defender Pepe scored to reduce the deficit, and shortly before halftime, Samu Omorodion equalized for the Portuguese side, later netting a dramatic winner as well.
Ten Hag’s Explanation
Many United supporters were taken aback by Rashford’s early exit, prompting manager Erik ten Hag to clarify the situation.
Speaking to TNT Sport post-match, he assured fans that Rashford was not injured; rather, he was substituted as part of a strategy to manage the squad’s fitness amid a congested fixture schedule.
Fitness Concerns
Rashford’s recent playing time has been limited, as he hasn’t played over 75 minutes since the team’s loss to Liverpool on September 1.
In fact, he has only completed the full 90 minutes in two matches this season.
A Rollercoaster Match
As the game continued, United faced further setbacks when Porto took the lead with Omorodion’s second goal.
The situation worsened when captain Bruno Fernandes received a red card—his second in five days—leaving him suspended for their next European match.
However, in a dramatic twist, Harry Maguire managed to equalize for United, securing a point in a match that had become increasingly challenging for Ten Hag and his squad.
Rashford’s Season So Far
Despite the ups and downs, Rashford has found the back of the net four times this season.
His recent performances indicate a positive trend, especially after scoring against Southampton in the Premier League and netting two goals against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.
What’s Next for United?
As Manchester United navigates a tough season, fans will be eager to see how Rashford and the team respond in their upcoming fixtures.
The pressure is on Ten Hag to turn things around and build on the glimpses of promise they’ve shown in recent matches.
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