Ten Hag: Manchester United players ‘switched off’ to blow a two-goal lead at Porto

Man Utd boss has accused his players of “switching off” as the visitors blew a two-goal lead against FC Porto to draw 3-3 in the Europa League clash on Thursday. 

As a second-half substitute, the Red Devils grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser from their former skipper Harry Maguire to salvage a point at Estádio do Dragão. 

Ten Hag’s side had two goals in front in the first 20 minutes before conceding twice in only seven minutes to go all square at halftime.

United conceded again minutes after the break and had skipper Bruno Fernandes sent off for the second time before Maguire’s last-gasp equaliser. 

"It's mixed feelings," Ten Hag told a news conference.

"We scored two great goals and then we switched off. We don't keep possession and defending, we're switching off. We concede the first goal unnecessary and then you light up the fire in this stadium and it becomes very tough.

"We addressed it at half-time and then you concede a third one, so unnecessary. It's no good defending again. That's also to do with some willingness in some moments.

"But then I have to praise the guys, how they return in the game and how they fight and find a way to get an equaliser."

Ten Hag’s decision to substitute Marcus Rashford at half-time was a little surprising. 

Rashford opened the scoring for United and looked sharp all night but was shockingly replaced with Alejandro Garnacho at the break. 

The Dutch tactician initially said Rashford was subbed to keep the forward fresh ahead of their PL clash against Aston Villa on Sunday. 

Speaking at his news conference, Ten Hag hinted he had made the change after both of Porto’s first-half goals had come via crosses from Rashford's side of the pitch.  

"Garnacho was my best player on Sunday by far and also in many other games," said Ten Hag when asked why Rashford was substituted.

"I think in the season as I assess it so far, he is bringing us so far the offensive threat by creating chances, assists, also scoring. Garnacho, we also had to play him as well and we have two very good players over that side.

"I have to watch [the game] back and I think over the left side definitely we didn't defend well tonight and Marcus also played a part in this. But, as I say, it had to do with Garnacho and nothing against Rashy."