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The Red Devils head coach is facing backlash for a controversial call that has raised further questions about his judgment.
Shaka Hislop has criticised Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag for his decision to substitute Marcus Rashford at halftime during their 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League.
The move baffled fans and pundits alike, as the forward had been instrumental in United's first-half performance, scoring a goal and providing an assist.
Why Ten Hag withdrew Rashford
Ten Hag explained the substitution as a necessary rotation to keep players fresh for the upcoming Premier League clash against Aston Villa.
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“We have to rotate. Garnacho, we didn’t start him. He had a great game, not only on Sunday, but I think in the whole season,” said the Man Utd boss.
“We sub them [the players who went off] because on Sunday we have another hard game, a good game, so we need players to be available and be fit and be fresh. It’s a quick turnaround to Villa.”
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Hislop’s criticism of Ten Hag
However, this explanation has done little to quell the backlash.
The ESPN pundit expressed his astonishment at the decision, arguing that a player in Rashford's form should be allowed to continue playing, especially when the team's success hinges on his contributions.
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“You do that with a player who’s been flying all season long and your entire season is hinging on him,” said the former goalkeeper.
“But when it’s a player that’s struggling and all of a sudden has re-found his form, leave him alone, let him play, let him fill his boots.
“To take him off at half-time, honestly I am gobsmacked to hear it was rotational.”
Hislop also drew a comparison with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, stating that the Spaniard would never have taken the Englishman off in such a situation.
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What next for Man Utd?
The Red Devils return to Premier League action with a daunting visit to Aston Villa on Sunday, October 6, targeting a return to winning ways.
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