Why Marcus Rashford was substituted at half-time by Erik ten Hag in Man United vs Porto

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Manchester United produced another forgettable performance in their European League encounter way at Porto
The Red Devils blew a two-goal lead and nearly lost, but Harry Maguire's late goal rescued a point
Marcus Rashford was bizarrely subbed off at halftime, but under-fire Erik ten Hag explained that decision

Harry Maguire's late goal rescued a point for Manchester United in their Europa League clash away at Porto.

Marcus Rashford played a major role in Man United's opening two goals but was absent in the second half.

Under-fire Erik ten Hag later explained why his team's brightest player against Porto did not play in the second half.

Marcus Rashford had the season in his career at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag

In the seventh minute, Rashford picked up the ball on the left-hand side and dribbled past several players before slotting past Diogo Costa to give the visitors the lead.

In the 20th minute, Rashford found himself in a great position thanks to a quick counterattack. He passed it to Rasmus Hojlund, who slotted past Costa for their second.

Porto's comeback vs Man United

Man United's night quickly turned sour, with Porto scoring three goals without an answer. Porto pulled on the back in the 27th minute before Samu Omorodion scored a brace.

Substitute Harry Maguire scored from a corner late in the game to salvage a draw.

The draw puts more pressure on Erik ten Hag, whose fate could be sealed if they lose to Aston Villa on Sunday.

Why did Marcus Rashford get substituted?

The performance in Porto did little to ease the scrutiny on the Dutchman. Rashford was on fire in the first half, and fans and pundits were surprised to see him subbed off.

The former Ajax coach explained the decision after the game.

"We have to rotate,’ he told TNT Sports via Metro Sport. "We didn’t start Garnacho and he had a great game not only on Sunday but I think the whole season.""On Sunday we have another hard game, so we need players to be available and fit and fresh."

Ten Hag's team face an Aston Villa side that beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League a day earlier.

We have to play Garnacho. We have a quick turnaround to Villa. They have a day longer [to recover] and we have an away game [today] so we want fresh players on the pitch on Sunday."

Man United beat Villa home and away last season in the Premier League but Sunday's match will be much different.