Wayne Rooney SLAMS ‘crazy’ decision to substitute Marcus Rashford at half-time against Porto – after Man United star scored opener before being hooked by Erik ten Hag

Wayne Rooney has slammed Erik ten Hag’s decision to replace Marcus Rashford during Man United’s 3-3 draw with Porto last week.

Rashford had put United ahead in the seventh minute with a fine solo effort but did not emerge for the second half as Alejandro Garnacho entered the fray.

After cutting in from the left flank and showing his skills, Rashford headed for goal, with his effort beating Diogo Costa and finding the back of the net.

However, despite Rashford’s opener, the winger was hooked at half-time by Ten Hag, who later explained that the player was not injured but had been substituted for rotation purposes due to the busy schedule.

Now United legend Rooney has responded to the United boss’ decision, insisting it was a ‘crazy’ choice by the Dutchman.

United star Rashford was substituted at half-time during his side’s Europa League match

Despite Rashford opening the scoring, Erik ten Hag surprisingly opted to take him off

Speaking Stick to footballbrought to you by Sky bet, Rooney said: ‘Some of the changes he’s making… You never see top teams changing their centre-backs mid-match – or the back four – and that happens regularly.

“Rashford’s… That was the best I’ve seen him play [v Porto] It’s crazy to take him away at half-time and say we have another game next weekend.

‘I guarantee you’ll see videos of him training with a coach away from the training ground during this international break – so if he can’t play two games in a week he should have rested.’

After Rashford’s goal in the first half, Rasmus Hojlund made it 2-0 for United, but Porto then pulled back before half-time.

Pepe scored a goal back and Samu Omorodion equalized for the Portuguese team. The Porto striker struck again late on, but his effort was canceled out by Harry Maguire’s late header.

After the match, Ten Hag tried to justify his decision by saying: ‘We had to rotate. Garnacho, we didn’t start him, he played a great game not just on Sunday, but the whole season.

‘On Sunday we have another tough match, a good match, so we need players who are available, fit and fresh.

The winger opened the scoring in the seventh minute before eventually being hooked

‘We have a quick turnaround to Villa. They have an extra day, we have an away match so we would like to have new players on the field on Sunday.’

Rashford has only played more than 75 minutes in three games in the opening stages of the 2024-25 season, and has played just two of the full 90.

Rashford’s goal was his fourth for United so far this season despite a difficult start, and his performances have continued to improve in a side going through something of a malaise.

He was on target against Southampton in the Premier League and also scored a brace against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.

Wayne Rooney spoke at the Stick to football podcast, brought to you by Sky bet