Marcus Rashford left 'gutted' as Erik ten Hag gives away Man Utd decision for Aston Villa

Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as they prepare to face Manchester United in the Premier League

Erik ten Hag has hinted Marcus Rashford will start for Manchester United against Aston Villa.

Ten Hag substituted striker Rashford for Alejandro Garnacho at half-time in United’s 3-3 Europa League draw in Porto on Thursday night, despite Rashford scoring and being their best player during the first half.

Asked to explain why he replaced Rashford at the break, Ten Hag said: “We have to rotate. Alejandro Garnacho has to play. We have a tough game on Sunday at Aston Villa and we need players to be fresh.

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“I will have to watch it (Porto's first goal) back but 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.”

Ten Hag has also demanded better defending from his players ahead of the Premier League clash at Villa Park on Sunday, as United surrendered a two-goal lead to Porto to trail 3-2 before rescuing a 3-3 draw.

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

“But I don't judge us at this moment. I judge us at the end of the season. We're in the process. Just wait. We have to develop this team. We will work and continue. We will fight.

"We started the game very well, we dominated, we scored two goals, but then we lost control. The middle part was not good, the ending was very good, but the defending we have to improve.”

Rashford reacted to the draw in Porto on Instagram, saying: “Bitter sweet. I’m happy to learn that I have broken into the top five scorers in Europe for United, but I’m gutted that we never managed to win tonight.”

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