In a dramatic Europa League encounter, Manchester United salvaged a 3-3 draw against FC Porto thanks to a last-minute header from Harry Maguire, potentially easing the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag. The match at the Estádio do Dragão came just days after United’s disheartening 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, leading to heightened scrutiny of the players and coach.
United started the game strongly, with Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund scoring early goals to put them ahead 2-0 in the first 20 minutes. However, their defensive vulnerabilities allowed Porto to come back, with Pepe scoring first, followed by a brace from Samu Omorodion, who put the hosts ahead 3-2 early in the second half.
The game took a turn when United’s captain Bruno Fernandes received a second yellow card, leaving his team with ten men. Nevertheless, amidst the mounting tension, Maguire’s powerful header from a Christian Eriksen corner in stoppage time saved United from an embarrassing defeat and earned them a point.
Following the match, Ten Hag clarified that Rashford’s substitution at halftime was a tactical decision rather than an injury-related one, citing the need for player rotation ahead of their next match against Aston Villa.
Despite the relief of escaping with a draw, the match highlighted the ongoing struggles for United in European competitions, as they have won only one of their last ten matches under Ten Hag. Former players and pundits expressed concern over the team’s defensive frailties and the recent formation inconsistencies, urging for improvements as they tackle upcoming fixtures.