Porto v Manchester United LIVE: Result and final score as Harry Maguire saves Red Devils in Europa League
United boss Erik ten Hag was under intense scrutiny as he took his side to Porto in the second round of Europa League matches
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
Erik ten Hag reveals Manchester United’s biggest problem after Tottenham defeat
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
Under-pressure Ten Hag said he is ‘not anxious’ ahead of a crunch week with trips to Porto and Aston Villa
Man Utd players ‘mad’ about recent results
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.”
What are Man Utd’s next fixtures?
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.
Benni McCarthy talks Erik ten Hag
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.”
Erik ten Hag’s former assistant claims Manchester United manager lacks ‘fire and passion’
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’
Benni McCarthy spent two years as part of the Dutchman’s staff at Old Trafford
Porto vs Man Utd prediction
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.
Predicted line-ups and latest odds
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
The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.
Man Utd’s early team news
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.
Porto’s early team news
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.
How to watch Porto vs Man Utd
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.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments