Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has hailed Marcus Rashford despite the forward being fortunate to stay on the pitch during Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.
The Red Devils earned a point after a good defensive performance at Villa Park.
Rashford was lucky to avoid being dismissed, however, with the 26-year-old already in the book by the time he sliced down Leon Bailey in the second half.
Ten Hag has admitted he was forced to withdraw the England international for his own good.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has hailed Marcus Rashford despite the forward being fortunate to stay on the pitch during Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa
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Yet the Dutchman also insisted he was happy with the winger’s overall performance.
“I think it’s the fourth clean sheet this season. You see we had a very good organisation and togetherness,” he said.
“There was good character and good spirit as a team. Determined, resilient.
“We almost didn’t concede a chance, when you defend like this and get some luck, in the end they had a big chance but it was almost the only chance I think.
“We created some chances, also not so many chances. We hit the crossbar and also Rashford had chances. But the two teams were really balanced.
“In Porto our build-up was brilliant, so good in the first 25 minutes, we out-played Porto.
“Also Palace, in possession we were so good, we have had games this season where we are good. But today we didn’t create too many chances, but also we played a great team.
“We create loads of chances in our seven games but we have to step up.
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“We have to take into consideration Hojlund is returning, he’s still coming up to full fitness. But others are stepping up.
“I was impressed from Rashford, also Garnacho is so good, and Antony at the end.”
On whether he took Rashford off as a precaution, he added: “Yes that was one of the reasons to take him off.
“If it was another foul probably he would be sent off. We can’t take another risk.”
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Man Utd star Marcus Rashford cut an angry figure during his side’s Premier League draw with Aston Villa on Sunday
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Meanwhile, United star Jonny Evans has also discussed the result.
Ten Hag has been the subject of speculation that he could be sacked during the upcoming international break amid his side’s lack of consistency.
And Evans has admitted those rumours are impacting the squad as they look to improve on last term’s eighth-placed finish.
“That was the important thing to show the spirit in the team. Everyone competed as much as they could. That’s a pleasing thing to see,” he said.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag was pleased with his side’s performance in their goalless draw with Aston Villa
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“You never have everyone available throughout the season. It’s important everyone coming in is ready to go when they’re ready.”
On Ten Hag being under pressure, the veteran added: “It does affect the players. It’s on our minds too.
“I think the more experience I’ve got in my career I’ve made sure I do everything you I to be ready and give everything I can to the team.”