In a thrilling UEFA Europa League match, Manchester United salvaged a 3-3 draw against FC Porto thanks to a stoppage-time equalizer from Harry Maguire. The Premier League side had surrendered a two-goal lead and had captain Bruno Fernandes sent off for a second successive game.
Despite going 2-0 ahead inside 20 minutes with goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund, United gave away their advantage by allowing Porto to drag themselves level before half-time. Porto then took the lead early in the second half, putting United on the brink of another humiliating defeat.
However, substitute Maguire, who had been dropped from the England squad earlier in the day, saved the day with a headed equalizer in the final seconds. This dramatic turn of events may have also saved United manager Erik ten Hag’s job, at least for now.
United have developed a worrying habit of conceding goals in short bursts, particularly in European competitions. This pattern suggests a mentality issue among the players, as well as structural problems. Against Porto, Ten Hag’s team conceded two goals in seven minutes, allowing their two-goal lead to evaporate during a frantic first half.
Porto’s Samu Omorodion was instrumental in his team’s comeback, scoring two goals and giving United centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez a torrid night. The 20-year-old Spanish centre-forward showed he is one to watch, dominating the two defenders whenever the ball was in the air.
One positive for United was the sight of Rashford and Højlund looking sharp. Rashford got his fourth goal of the season with a fantastic run, while Højlund scored his first goal of the season after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Old school wingers proved their worth for Porto, with Vitor Bruno’s team delivering quality crosses that United had no answer to. This approach may be a signpost of another change in the game, with coaches now looking at how dangerous a good cross can be.
Despite their struggles, Manchester United are at least showing some fight. Losing 3-2 and down to 10 men, it would have been easy for the players to throw in the towel. But they didn’t, and were rewarded with a stoppage-time equalizer.
The stakes are now incredibly high for Erik ten Hag when Manchester United travel to Aston Villa on Sunday. Despite salvaging a point in Porto, it was another game that they failed to win. United have won just three games this season, and their problems remain. They concede way too many goals and have a bunch of players who play as if they don’t know what the plan is. Ten Hag must somehow stop the rot before facing a very good Villa side this weekend. If he doesn’t, United will have gone five games without a win going into the international break, and that would put his job on the line.
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