2024-10-04 06:45:03
Super sub Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time header saved Manchester United’s blushes and potentially Erik ten Hag’s job as the Europa League clash with Porto ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Four days after their 3-0 home humiliation at the hands of Tottenham, the Red Devils put criticism of the players and their under-fire manager to the side with an impressive start in Portugal.
Goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund had United in control, only for Ten Hag’s men to lose their way and their defensive faculties as Pepe scored before Samu Omorodion’s brilliant brace.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second straight match as Ten Hag squirmed, only for Maguire to head home a Christian Eriksen corner in stoppage time to seal a point.
Manchester United face Porto in the Europa League, kick-off at 8pm | Live on TNT Sports
United boss Erik ten Hag fighting for his job after last week’s embarrassing 3-0 loss to Spurs
Porto sit second in the Primeira Liga, with six wins from seven games
Porto XI: Costa, Joao Mario, Ze Pedro, Nehuen, Moura, Varela, Eustaquio, Nico, Pepe, Galeno, Omorodion
Man Utd XI: Onana, Mazraoui, De Light, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Eriksen, Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund.
GOAL! Marcus Rashford fires visitors in front, Porto 0-1 Man Utd (7 min)
GOAL! Rasmus Hojlund adds second after another Diogo Costa error, Porto 0-2 Man Utd (20 min)
GOAL! Pepe knocks in rebound to pull one back, Porto 1-2 Man Utd (27 min)
GOAL! Samu Omorodian heads hosts level, Porto 2-2 Man Utd (35 min)
GOAL! Omorodion adds another to complete comeback, Porto 3-2 Man Utd (50 min)
GOAL! Harry Maguire heads late equaliser, Porto 3-3 Man Utd (90+1 min)
FC Porto 3 – 3 Manchester United FC
23:00 , Will Castle
Erik ten Hag has asked Manchester United fans to trust the process after clawing back a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League this evening.
“We will get there,” he said on TNT Sports. “Don’t judge us in this moment, judge us in the end of the season.
“I said the same last season, just wait. We are in the process, we will improve, and we have now two seasons where we achieved finals.
“Just wait, we have to develop and progress this team. We will work and we will continue.
“We will fight. You see the spirit and the connection between the staff and the team. It’s strong spirit they want to achieve.
“We are in the direction. We have that good mentality, but especially in some defending parts, we have to step up.”
22:50 , Will Castle
Bruno Fernandes saw red for the second time in as many games after being shown two yellows for two very similar high challenges.
Of course, his red against Tottenham was overturned earlier this week. But for ex-Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, today’s dismissal was totally justified.
“The Tottenham one was not a red, he was unlucky. I don’t think he was unlucky tonight,” he said.
“The first one, because it’s early on in the game, they’ll probably give a yellow for that just because your foot is high.
“It doesn’t need to be. Let him bring the ball down and win it on the ground.
“If you’re on a booking, you can’t make that challenge. Just go head it.”
22:45 , Will Castle
Harry Maguire says his teammates still have faith in Erik ten Hag after heading home a late equaliser to spare United’s blushes in Porto.
“Definitely,” said Maguire when asked if the players still believed in the manager.
“To be honest, I’ve played for this club now for six years, so I know how it works, and when you go through a bad spell, players come under pressure, but also the manager does.
”He’s experienced enough. He’s been in the game long enough. He’s been at this club long enough that I’m sure he’s learned how to deal with it and it’s part and parcel of playing for this club or managing this club.”
22:34 , Will Castle
Erik ten Hag has quelled fears that Marcus Rashford’s half-time substitution was forced by injury, insisting that Alejandro Garnacho’s introduction was purely based on rotation ahead of Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa.
“We have to rotate,” he said on TNT Sports. “Garnacho, we didn’t start him. He had a great game, not only on Sunday, but I think in the whole season.
“On Sunday we have again another hard game, a good game, so we need the players to be available and be fit and fresh.”
22:30 , Will Castle
22:27 , Will Castle
Relief will likely be the prevailing emotion for Manchester United fans after snatching a late draw at Porto.
However, it’s yet another game without a win in Europe for Erik ten Hag.
Man United have won just 1 of their last 10 games in Europe under Erik ten Hag….
Five defeats, four draws and a 1-0 win against Copenhagen at Old Trafford. pic.twitter.com/0jk9YMQpn5
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 3, 2024
22:24 , Will Castle
Owen Hargreaves was far from pleased at his former side’s capitulation during the middle portion of today’s outing against Porto.
“There was a lot going on,” he said. “There were so many holes defensively.
“Manchester United didn’t stop any crosses, and then to go 3-2 down after being 2-0 up was ridiculous.
“The middle part of the game was crazy. That’s what it’s been like for a couple of years.”
22:13 , Will Castle
Former England goalkeeper believes Man United desire to find a late equaliser proves that Erik ten Hag still has the backing of the players.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: “We said, ‘why was he bringing on Maguire and Evans?’ That’s why.
“Corner in from Eriksen and Maguire rises with a powerful header – Porto have no-one on the posts and they pay for it. Powerful strong header.
“That shows spirit and a team where a manager has not lost the dressing room.
“Yes, they have been outplayed at parts but they have shown a lot of character and a lot of determination.
“With 10 men they have pressed and it looks like they will walk away with a point.”
22:03 , Will Castle
22:00 , Will Castle
Manchester United leave it late to salvage a point as Harry Maguire emerges from the Estadio do Dragao as the hero on the night.
United were two goals to the good in 20 minutes thanks to strikes from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund but were pegged back to 2-2 before the break, with Samu and Pepe drawing Porto level.
Samu then gave the Portuguese giants the lead after the restart and came ever so close to seeing out the win – only for the Maguire to rise above the rest in added time to snatch a draw at the death.
Erik ten Hag could have been in serious trouble had United left Porto empty handed tonight.
An enthralling European encounter.
21:56 , Will Castle
90+4 minutes: Jonny Evans wins a free-kick in United’s half. That’ll cool things off for a second.
It’s been an incredible game and you have to think the visitors will take a point.
Seconds to play.
21:54 , Will Castle
90+1 minutes: GOAL! HARRY MAGUIRE TO THE RESCUE!
Superb corner delivery by Eriksen and it’s the substitute Maguire who leaps above the rest, getting over the ball and brilliantly heading past Costa to equalise.
What drama. Has that just saved Erik ten Hag’s skin?
21:52 , Will Castle
90 minutes: Five minutes added on. Five minutes to salvage something for Manchester United.
Two corners conceded by Porto in quick succession. Let’s see if they can make something of this.
21:50 , Will Castle
87 minutes: Save! Superb stop from Costa to tip over Garnacho’s dipping shot from range.
United are running out of time.
21:49 , Will Castle
84 minutes: It should have been four.
Deniz Gul finds himself with half the pitch to break into and has Galeno in support, but decides to go for goal himself.
His effort is saved and the ball gets cleared.
21:45 , Will Castle
80 minutes: RED CARD! For the second game running, United’s skipper is shown red.
Bruno Fernandes goes in with a high boot to meet a cross and appears to catch his man on the face.
It’s an honest attempt to win the ball but the Porto players are furious, and the ref deems it a second yellow card offence.
He may feel hard done by as after closer inspection at the replay, it didn’t actually look like his boot made any contact.
But dangerous play is dangerous play, and United are down to 10.
21:40 , Will Castle
77 minutes: A few substitutions.
For Porto, Samu makes way for ex-Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic. A superb display from the striker with two goals to his name.
Eustaquio also makes way for Arsenal loanee Fabio Vieira.
United make a double defemsive change, with Martinez and De Ligt making way for Evans and Maguire.
21:37 , Will Castle
75 minutes: Manchester United are pushing for an equaliser, peppering the Porto box with crosses and dominating in possession.
That said, nothing too troubling for the hosts to deal with thus far.
Porto might be sitting back but United need to be wary of not getting caught out on the break.
21:34 , Will Castle
72 minutes: De Ligt latches onto the aerial ball but his header lacks power and it’s a comfortable stop for Costa.
Garnacho then cuts inside with the intent of firing one into the far corner, but his shot his blocked for the corner. The resulting delivery comes to nothing.
21:33 , Will Castle
70 minutes: Fernandes goes for it again from outside the box, but shoots high and wide.
The way Costa is playing tonight, you can understand why getting shots away regardless of position may be the best policy for United. That’s their 20th effort of the night.
21:30 , Will Castle
68 minutes: Attacking changes from Ten Hag as Zirkzee and Antony enter the fray.
Hojlund and Amad make way.
21:28 , Will Castle
65 minutes: Save! Another big stop from Onana to prevent this going from bad to worse, getting down low to divert Samu’s effort away for a corner.
Resulting delivery nearly causes problems for United as Galeno pokes goalwards, but the Red Devils are able to clear.
Joshua Zirkzee is said to be getting stripped.
21:26 , Will Castle
64 minutes: That might have gone out of the stadium!
Lisandro Martinez goes for the spectacular half volley from about 35 yards out – and as you’d expect from a centre-half, it goes high, wide and out of shot.
21:25 , Will Castle
62 minutes: Mazraoui fires a pretty weak bobbling effort from the edge of the box – but it’s a poor parried save from Diogo Costa, who palms it right into the danger area with Garnacho closing in.
Garnacho is off balance and can only shoot high and into the side netting. But it’s another error by the highly-rated Portuguese shot-stopper.
21:20 , Will Castle
57 minutes: United are spending more and more time on the ball – Porto, now with the lead, are sitting back and trying to frustrate their opponents.
Unable to break into the box, Garnacho unleashes a viscious effort from range to sting the gloves of Costa.
21:18 , Will Castle
54 minutes: It’s United’s turn to search for an equaliser.
Bruno Fernandes fires an effort across the goal, hitting it with power but it goes well wide. Nothing to worry about for Costa.
Christian Eriksen then gets played into the box and takes the ball to the byline, but his pullback rolls straight into the arms of the keeper.
A better delivery and that could have been a golden opening for the visitors.
21:14 , Will Castle
52 minutes: Chelsea fans will be watching this tonight rueing the fact their side couldn’t get a deal for Samu over the line back in August, which reportedly fell apart when finalizing the control.
He looks like a ruthless goalscorer and a real talent. Definitely one to watch this season.
21:12 , Will Castle
50 minutes: GOAL! THEY’VE TURNED IT ON ITS HEAD!
It’s that man Samu again with an EMPHATIC finish, who fires into the roof of the net after a pullback from Pepe.
They were 2-0 down. Now they’re 3-2 up.
Big response required from Manchester United now – a massive test of character.
21:09 , Will Castle
47 minutes: Save! Big stop from Onana to deny Francisco Moura, who found himself in acres of space breaking in behind.
Far too open from United. Early second half jitters.
21:06 , Will Castle
46 minutes: We’re back underway.
21:06 , Will Castle
Alejandro Garnacho is getting ready to come on for the start of the second half – and it’s Marcus Rashford who comes off.
You can only presume that’s due to an injury, because he was on fire in that first 45.
Potential blow for Ten Hag.
21:01 , Will Castle
Marcus Rashford is showing his true worth on the European stage.
Most goals scored in major European competitions for Man Utd:
◎ 35 – Wayne Rooney
◉ 26 – Marcus Rashford
◎ 25 – Paul ScholesMost goals scored by English players in Europa League/UEFA Cup history:
◎ 21 – Alan Shearer
◎ 19 – Jermain Defoe
◉ 14 – Marcus Rashford… pic.twitter.com/jEH7qVZyCZ— Squawka (@Squawka) October 3, 2024
20:54 , Will Castle
What a half of football we’ve just watched.
After a frantic 45 minutes, there is nothing to seperate the two sides going into the break.
United seemed in control of the contest inside 20 minutes, with Rashford and Hojlund giving Ten Hag’s side an early advantage.
However, two goals in the space of seven minutes pegged the visitors back as Samu and Pepe brought parity for Porto.
Prime Thursday evening entertainment. Long may it continue.
20:50 , Will Castle
45+2 minutes: United fans will be LOVING what they are seeing from Marcus Rashford.
He’s terrorising Joao Mario down that left-hand side and once again drives into the box, dancing past defenders before firing a shot away, only for it to be blocked.
Best player on the pitch so far.
20:48 , Will Castle
45 minutes: Three minutes added on.
Searching Porto ball sent in behind for Galeno to chase, but Onana gets there first.
20:48 , Will Castle
44 minutes: Worrying moment for United fans as Lisandro Martinez goes down with an injury.
The Argentinian has endured a horrible time with injuries as of late, so Ten Hag will be relieved to see him get to his feet after receiving treatment.
He’s back on the pitch and seems ok.
20:45 , Will Castle
42 minutes: Last ditch defending from Porto as Fernandes lofts a delightful ball into the box.
Pinball on the edge of the six yard box before Casemiro gets a shot away, well saved by Costa for a corner.
20:43 , Will Castle
40 minutes: End-to-end stuff here.
It’s been frantic for the most part in this 40 minutes, and after a decent spell of Porto pressure, United are pushing again.
Hojlund leads a charging break into the opposition half and slots a searching ball into the box for Amad to chase, only for it just bypass the Ivorian.
20:39 , Will Castle
37 minutes: This is the fourth time in ten matches that Man United have conceded two goals or more this season.
Even when in control of the contest, United are leaking goals.
20:37 , Will Castle
35 minutes: GOAL! Just like that, Porto are level!
Porto’s main route of attack this half has been twofold: Joao Mario cross, Samu Omorodian header. That’s exactly what’s paid dividends here.
At the second attempt, Samu bravely latches on to Mario’s delivery to head past Onana into the roof of the net.
What a game we have on our hands.
20:33 , Will Castle
30 minutes: Important few minutes for United here as Porto look to build up some momentum.
Joao Mario whips in another dangerous ball, but Mazraoui produces an effective defensive header to get the ball out of harm’s way.
As Amad Diallo tries to bring the ball away, Omorodian puts a forearm in his back and gets a yellow card for his troubles.
20:30 , Will Castle
27 minutes: GOAL! Porto are back in it!
Brilliant delivery into the box is met by Samu, whose header forces a fantastic save from Onana.
However, his parry falls right into the path of the charging Pepe who puts in the rebound.
The Dragao erupts, and we have a game on.
20:27 , Will Castle
24 minutes: Marcus Rashford is looking like a different player tonight.
Another driving run into the box from the winger before drilling one towards Costa, who on the other hand is very much having an off night.
The most confident he’s seemed in months.
20:24 , Will Castle
20 minutes: GOAL! Rasmus Hojlund is back in the starting XI for the first time this season – and he’s back on the scoresheet!
Rashford turns provider this time to slip Hojlund through, who sees his left-footed effort just creep over the line before Diogo Costa scoops it away.
It’s another error from the keeper, who got a big arm to it and should have really kept the shot out. But again, United will not care.
20:20 , Will Castle
19 minutes: Porto might have gone behind early but it hasn’t stifled the home faithful who are still in full voice.
20:18 , Will Castle
17 minutes: Very close to a second from Rashford as his curling delivery bypasses everyone before just going wide of the wide post. Diogo Costa rooted to the spot.
Two corners then go awry for the visitors.
20:17 , Will Castle
14 minutes: Big block by Martinez as Samu receives the ball behind the penalty spot before firing an effort goalwards.
At the same time, there’s hopeful appeal for a penalty from Galeno, who claimed Dalot was pulling his shirt. Referee having none of it.
20:14 , Will Castle
12 minutes: Porto haven’t let the wind go out of their sails and are playing with intent for an equaliser.
They earn a corner that comes to nothing, but are nonetheless peppering Onana’s box – Samu is the obvious target.
20:12 , Will Castle
10 minutes: Another attempted ball in behind to Rashford, with a lot of their attacking play coming down that left hand side.
Diogo Costa gets there first and collects.
20:10 , Will Castle
7 minutes: GOAL! They’ve been largely on the back foot in the early stages, but it only takes one chance.
Direct play from Marcus Rashford to drive into the box, before cutting in and firing towards the bottom left corner of Diogo Costa’s goal.
The keeper gets a foot on it and should do better, but the visitors won’t care. An early boost for Erik ten Hag.
20:05 , Will Castle
4 minutes: Porto have had three flurries into the final third in as many minutes and are very much on the front foot here during the early stages.
Joao Mario enjoying the ball down the left flank and playing it into Samu Omorodion, who has already had a shot blocked.
20:02 , Will Castle
1 minute: KICK OFF! We’re underway.
Porto showing early signs of promise and quickly force Onana into his first save of the evening.
Great noise coming from the home fans.
20:00 , Will Castle
The Estadio do Dragao welcomes the teams after a pretty spectacular display from the Porto fans, put on in celebration of the club’s 500th game in their home stadium.
Kick-off imminent.
19:52 , Will Castle
Tonight could well be a massive game for the future of Erik ten Hag, who is under the microscope as Manchester United boss.
There is real scope that a bad performance tonight could cost him his job – and as such, he’s made one final plea to his players.
“We have to see a reaction. Of course, we need a reaction,” he said on TNT Sports.
“We have to do everything well. It’s a very good opponents and it’s a challenge, but we want those challenges. We need to have the winning mentality that things will go well.
“When things are going wrong, that’s the moment you have to keep the faith.”
19:45 , Mike Jones
Gary Neville slammed an “absolutely disgusting” performance from Manchester United as Tottenham won 3-0 at Old Trafford to increase the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.
“The big story today is that in that first half,” he said on Sky Sports. “You can’t say it came from nowhere because Manchester United have been inconsistent all season, but they have chosen to put in their very worst performance, their very worst possible showing.
“It was an absolutely disgusting performance in that first half in effort, quality, everything you want in a football team and there are going to be questions to answer for that group (of players) and the manager in the next week.”
19:39 , Mike Jones
Jamie Carragher singled out Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt for criticism and said the £42 summer signing was “out of position all the time” during the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.
In a segment on Monday Night Football, the former Liverpool centre-back highlighted three incidents during the first half at Old Trafford where Spurs were able to counter-attack against United and said De Ligt was at fault.
The Netherlands international and former Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich defender has only made four Premier League starts for United but has been caught out in the defeats to Liverpool and now Spurs.
Carragher unimpressed by Man Utd’s £42m signing: ‘He’s out of position all the time’
19:33 , Mike Jones
“I’ve heard a lot of people saying that they have a rope around their necks,” said Bruno when asked by United’s form.
“But, no, no, we are just looking at our objective and that is to reach the next stage. We always see them as a threat, not as a good point to take them on.
“We have to just be ourselves and look at them the way the way we have to look at them, with respect, a lot of respect, with a lot of individuals.
“I know what you mean talking about their last match, but we must see the whole not the last one.”
19:32 , Will Castle
Just under half an hour to go until things kick off in Porto.
Erik ten Hag will be desperate for his side to bounce back from Sunday’s disastrous defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, but Porto will no doubt pose a difficult challenge.
Rasmus Hojlund is back up top – can he prove the difference?
19:27 , Mike Jones
Porto coach, Vitor Bruno, says he is expecting Man Utd to be a tough team to beat tonight despite them going through a rough patch in terms of form.
Bruno said: “Even though Manchester United are going through a difficult period, it’s a club with history and European experience, which has great individual values.
“We cannot underestimate them. At the same time, we must always aim to achieve victory, because representing this club means that.”
19:21 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag spoke about what he is expecting from tonight’s match saying: “We know that Porto are a good team, with good players and good strategy. We have to play good football to get a positive result. The way they attack, with dynamism and creativity, and the way they defend, with aggressivness, will be a real challenge for use.
“The team is frustrated, due to the defeat at the weekend and also for not winning in three games. When we are not winning, we get very disappointed. But we have to turn things around, with all the players having to be up to the task in every game. Opponents are always 100 per cent motivated against us and we have to be prepared for that.”
19:19 , Will Castle
The Estadio do Dragao is not an easy place to visit – just ask Arsenal.
19:15 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United’s poor start to the campaign is nothing “to panic about” as the under-fire manager ignores talk of the sack and focuses on ending the season with more silverware.
May’s FA Cup final win against rivals Manchester City was the high point in a miserable campaign and helped save the Dutchman’s job after lengthy deliberation by ambitious Ineos.
But Ten Hag’s third season in charge has begun in alarming fashion, with Sunday’s 3-0 home humbling by Tottenham ratcheting up the pressure on the United manager.
Nothing for me to panic about – Erik ten Hag calm over Man Utd’s poor start
19:15 , Will Castle
There will be a fair few empty seats in the away end of the Estadio do Dragao this evening after a flight that was supposed to be carrying some 180 Manchester United fans was cancelled.
Supporters were left waiting at Manchester Airport for a gruelling ten hours before being informed their flight would not be taking off due to the fact there were no landing spots available in Porto.
19:09 , Mike Jones
Porto midfielder, Alan Varela, says his team owe it to the fans to try and defeat Manchester United when they clash in the Europa League tonight.
Varela said: “We work at all times to win. In the first round that didn’t happen but we want it to happen now. The fans deserve it. The quality this squad has makes us believe in that, even if on the other side is a strong opponent like Manchester United.”
19:06 , Will Castle
Only one change for Vitor Bruno’s Porto to the side that started their 4-0 win over Arouca on Sunday as Canadian midfielder Stephen Eustaquio replaces Nicolas Gonzalez.
Porto starting XI: Costa, Joao Mario, Ze Pedro, Nehuen, Moura, Varela, Eustaquio, Nico, Pepe, Galeno, Omorodion. Subs: Ramos, Djalo, Grujic, Fabio Vieira, Vasco Sousa, Ivan Jaime, Namaso, Andre Franco, Deniz Gul, Martim Fernandes, Goncalo Borges, Rodrigo Mora.
19:04 , Will Castle
Rasmus Hojlund makes his first start of the campaign as Erik ten Hag makes four changes to the side that got beaten 3-0 by Tottenham on Sunday.
Manuel Ugarte, Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee all drop to the bench while Kobbie Mainoo misses out after being forced off against Spurs through injury.
Coming into the starting XI are Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Amad Diallo.
Man Utd starting XI: Onana, Mazraoui, De Light, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Eriksen, Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund. Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Evans, Lindelof, Maguire, Collyer, Gore, Ugarte, Antony, Garnacho, Zirkzee.
19:03 , Mike Jones
Manchester United’s first Europa League game resulted in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against FC Twente last week.
“We were quite sad after the Twente game,” said winger Antony when asked about the game.
“We wanted the win and we had to analyse this afterwards but we’ve analysed the game now and the errors committed. But now we are ready for the next game and to get the three points.
“We need to focus on our game, not on them, and believe in our work and everything we have been doing in training. That way, we can get things right during the game.”
18:57 , Mike Jones
“Porto are an excellent team,” Man Utd winger Antony told the club’s media team ahead of flying out for the Europa League encounter.
“But we also have an excellent team. It will be a difficult game with Porto being at home but we will be well prepared ahead of the tie.
“I have heard a lot about the Estadio da Dragao, from Casemiro as well, as he played for Porto. It is a great stadium right? We are going to have a difficult game that we need to prepare well to have a great game.
“I know Pepe, I played with him with the national team and he is a great player. Brazilians always have something to offer.“
18:42 , Mike Jones
Despite being beaten 3-2 by Bodo/Glimt in matchday one, the Portuguese side registered a whopping 28 shots, their most in a European match since they played Roma in 2019.
With such a high shot count things could easily get away from Man Utd who’s defence has not been as strong as it would like so far this season.
18:36 , Mike Jones
The two clubs have met eight times with Manchester United winning three of these fixtures in comparison to Porto’s two victories.
The last time United visited the Estadio do Dragao, Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-range effort sealed a narrow 1-0 victory for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Can the repeat that success tonight?
18:30 , Mike Jones
The defence calls the Tottenham No 10. “Even [James] Maddison when he gets up, he said it was a foul but never a red card,” insisted Bruno Fernandes. And if it was an accurate version of events; but even if with a star witness, he was pleading in vain. “I don’t think it was a red card,” said Erik ten Hag. “I don’t know why VAR doesn’t call the referee to the screen,” added Fernandes
There is a simple answer to that: because Chris Kavanagh’s initial decision was correct, because a high challenge connected with Maddison’s leg when nowhere near the ball. Fernandes’s lunge looked reckless and out of control, the sort that could be deemed dangerous. Cut through the Portuguese’s grumbles, however, and there was one pertinent comment. “I let my teammates down with one man down,” said Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes’s new low is a symbol of Erik ten Hag’s collapsing Man Utd regime
18:24 , Mike Jones
Here is a round-up of Manchester United’s injury concerns:
Kobbie Mainoo – The midfielder was substituted during the 3-0 defeat by Tottenham but trained with the squad this week and appears to be fully fit.
Mason Mount – Mount came on against Spurs only to be taken off again with a head injury. He sat out of training this week but it is thought to be a precautionary measure after he suffered a minor cut, rather than any concussion. He is a doubt for Porto but is likely to be available for the weekend’s trip to Aston Villa.
Harry Maguire – Maguire missed the Tottenham game with an unspecified knock in training, but he was back in training this week and is expected to be available.
Victor Lindelof – Lindelof is back in training and the Swedish defender could make his first appearance of the season in the coming weeks.
Luke Shaw – The full-back’s injury troubles have continued this season but he could be back later this month after progress from his calf strain.
Leny Yoro – The big-money signing is not expected to be fit until November after fracturing a foot bone. “Yes, he is doing very well,” Ten Hag said last week. “It is very pleasing that his rehab is going in the right direction and I expect him soon, but what I mean by soon, is that he is now in the right planning process.
“He is in the right spot and he will return as soon as possible into the squad and then the team training.”
Tyrell Malacia – The full-back missed the entire 2023-24 season with a knee injury, but he was named in United’s Europa League group stage squad to suggest a return is imminent. However, Malacia has still not featured in team training so November is a likely return.
18:18 , Mike Jones
Man Utd boss, Erik ten Hag, reiterated his claim that the team are in “transition” but can still achieve their targets this season.
Having won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in his first two years in charge, Ten Hag believes United can challenge for silverware again.
“From the moment I came in, we knew we had to change,” he said. “We had to replace some older players and bring new players in. Our choice was to bring young players in and you know that takes time to get the messages on board, to get a game model on board and to introduce a new culture that takes time.
“In the meantime, you have to win and I think we have proven in the last two years, and we win. And I’ve proven in my career that always I will win. The last six years I have [won] eight trophies.
“We have to embed the game model, we have to embed a stronger team as we have now and so we have to work on our problems and give the solutions. We have a good potential on players so once it’s embedded we will go and we will drive, and I’m sure we will achieve the targets we have set for this season.
“That is always winning trophies and finishing as high as possible of course in the league because that is definitely a very important purpose for us.”
18:12 , Mike Jones
Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, says his players need to keep believing that they can turn their form and results around.
“The most important is always keeping the belief,” he told Sky Sports. “You stay in the game by keeping the belief. That’s the most important message that we have to give because if you lose your faith you lose everything.
“We have to keep going and stick to the plan and move on.”
18:06 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United’s “most important” problem to solve is improving the team’s self-belief ahead of important fixtures against Porto and Aston Villa this week.
The manager is under increased pressure after Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur but is set to be given the trips to Porto and Villa before the international break.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Ten Hag insisted that he is not worried about losing his job if results do not go United’s way and said the club are “together” under the new ownership.
Erik ten Hag reveals Manchester United’s biggest problem after Tottenham defeat
18:00 , Mike Jones
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says that his team are ‘mad’ and ‘disappointed’ about their recent results and he’s backing them to turnaround their recent form/
“As always when we are not winning, we are very disappointed and we are also mad, mad with ourselves and especially when you lose a game like Sunday,” Ten Hag said at Wednesday’s delayed news conference.
“We are mad and from the madness we have to get motivation and go onto the next game.”
17:54 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag is set to remain in charge of Manchester United after calling for more time after the dismal defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
United have made their joint-worst start to a Premier League season after losing three of their first six games – including 3-0 defeats to Liverpool and Spurs at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag is set to be given United’s next two games, which are tough trips to Porto in the Europa League and Aston Villa in the Premier League.
United’s visit to Villa Park comes on Sunday and is followed by the October international break, which could spell bad news for Ten Hag if results continue to go against him.
17:48 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag’s former assistant Benni McCarthy has claimed that the Manchester United manager lacks “fire” as pressure again builds on the Dutchman at Old Trafford.
“In modern football, I believe that players want to see a bit more passion in their coach,” the former Porto and Blackburn striker told Portuguese outlet ZeroZero. “They need to feel that the coach is with them and willing to fight alongside them.
“Tactically, I feel that Erik is at the top. He lacks a bit of that fire, that passion. That’s where we differ, him and I.”
17:42 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag’s former assistant Benni McCarthy has claimed that the Manchester United manager lacks “fire” and “passion” as pressure again builds on the Dutchman at Old Trafford.
A damaging defeat to Tottenham has led to renewed speculation over Ten Hag’s future after he narrowly avoided losing his job this summer.
It continued a difficult start to the season for the club that has left them languishing in 13th place in the Premier League with just two wins from their first six games.
Erik ten Hag’s former assistant claims Man United manager lacks ‘fire and passion’
17:36 , Mike Jones
It is impossible to predict how United will play on any day, though expect a shaky and nervous performance after recent results and pressure.
The fact that Porto fell to a loss against Bodo/Glimt does offer encouragement though, and Erik ten Hag will likely rest fewer players than his Portuguese counterpart.
Porto 1-1 Manchester United.
17:30 , Mike Jones
Here’s how we see the two teams lining up to face one another this evening. Man Utd should elect for pace in the forward line with Bruno Fernandes controlling play in midfield once more:
Porto XI: Costa; Mario, Pedro, Perez, Moura; Varela, Gonzalez; Pepe, Sousa, Galeno; Omorodion.
Man Utd XI: Onana; Mazraoui, de Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Ugarte; Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.
As for the latest odds from the bookmakers. United’s indifferent form means that they are only slight favourites to triumph this evening with Porto close behind at 17/10. But, with home advantage the Portuguese side may have the edge with the fans.
Porto 17/10
Draw 9/5
Man Utd 13/10
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17:24 , Mike Jones
For United, Sunday’s nightmare against Spurs was made worse by the injury to Kobbie Mainoo, who limped off shortly after Fernandes’ red card. It is unknown how long the England international will be out for, but this game will certainly come too early.
In his absence, expect Casemiro or Christian Eriksen to return to the United side. Fernandes will likely start too, considering he has to sit out the next three league games.
In defence, expect ten Hag to line up with what seems like his preferred back five, with Dalot and Mazraoui as full-backs.
In attack, it may be time to start Rasmus Hojlund as ten Hag fights to save his job, with Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho likely to start on the wings.
17:18 , Mike Jones
Porto have no new injury concerns after their straightforward 4-0 win over Arouca last weekend. However, attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira, on loan from Arsenal, is a major doubt after suffering a muscle injury in early September.
Summer signing Samu Omorodion will lead the line, with Galeno, Pepe and Vasco Sousa likely playing behind the striker.
Nico Gonzalez and Alan Varela will anchor the midfield, with Joao Mario, José Pedro, Nehuén Pérez and Francisco Moura the probable back four.
17:12 , Mike Jones
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports. Subscribers will also be able to watch via the Discovery+ app and website.
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17:06 , Mike Jones
Porto vs Manchester United kicks off at 8pm BST tonight, Thursday 3 October, at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal.
17:00 , Mike Jones
Manchester United travel to Portugal to face Porto on Thursday evening in the second match of their 2024/25 Europa League campaign.
The Red Devils are under immense pressure after a humiliating 3-0 loss to Tottenham last week, with rumours circulating that Erik ten Hag has just two games to save his job – this fixture and the weekend’s match away to Aston Villa.
United began their Europa League campaign with a timid, worrying 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente, and they travel to northern Portugal to face a Porto side that sit second in the Primeira Liga, having won six of their seven league matches.
It’s set to be a tense affair at the Estádio do Dragão, and with an unsettled United likely without Kobbie Mainoo, who knows what may happen as these former Champions League winners meet in Europe’s second-string competition.
09:03 , Mike Jones
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Europa League action as Manchester United face Porto in the league phase.
The Red Devils are in desperate need of a win after a series of draws and a humiliating defeat to Tottenham at the weekend in the Premier League.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in that match but will be available for this evening’s fixture as United look to secure their first European win of the season.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
23:07 , Will Castle
Super sub Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time header saved Manchester United’s blushes and potentially Erik ten Hag’s job as the Europa League clash with Porto ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Four days after their 3-0 home humiliation at the hands of Tottenham, the Red Devils put criticism of the players and their under-fire manager to the side with an impressive start in Portugal.
Goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund had United in control, only for Ten Hag’s men to lose their way and their defensive faculties as Pepe scored before Samu Omorodion’s brilliant brace.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second straight match as Ten Hag squirmed, only for Maguire to head home a Christian Eriksen corner in stoppage time to seal a point.
Harry Maguire salvages a Europa League point for 10-man Manchester United
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