Manchester United once again faltered in Europe, conceding a two-goal lead before drawing 3-3 with Porto in the Europa League. Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time header saved the Red Devils from a damaging defeat, ensuring a share of the points for Erik ten Hag’s struggling side, despite Bruno Fernandes receiving a second consecutive red card.
United took control early, racing into a two-goal lead through Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund. However, their momentum shifted dramatically after Fernandes was shown a second yellow card for a high foot with just nine minutes left to play. Porto capitalized on United’s mistakes, bringing the score level by halftime with goals from Pepe and Samu Omorodion, who produced a powerful header.
Rashford, who had been the standout player in the first half, was surprisingly substituted at halftime for “rotation,” according to Ten Hag. However, the manager later hinted that Rashford’s defensive shortcomings influenced the decision, which left United lacking in attacking threat during the second half.
Porto quickly took the advantage after the break, with Omorodion overpowering Matthijs De Ligt once again to score emphatically. Just when it seemed all hope was lost for United, Maguire found the net late in the game, converting a corner from Christian Eriksen to secure a crucial point.
Despite a shaky performance, United remains within striking distance for knockout playoff spots, currently sitting 21st with just two draws from their last four games. Conversely, Porto managed to earn their first point in the new Europa League format, putting them in 24th place.
Ten Hag Calls for Patience
Post-match, Ten Hag appealed to fans for their patience, urging not to judge the team based on current form. “We will get there,” he stated to TNT Sports. “Don’t judge us in this moment; judge us at the end of the season. We are in a process, and we will improve.” However, the nature of this collapse only increases the scrutiny on the manager’s tactics and decisions.
Rashford’s Substitution Backfires
The decision to substitute Rashford backfired spectacularly, as he had been integral to United’s offensive play in the first half. Finishing with a game-high eight touches in the opposition box despite playing only 45 minutes, his absence was keenly felt in the second half. Garnacho struggled to match Rashford’s impact, particularly against Porto’s right-back Joao Mario, who easily assisted the first goal.
Ten Hag’s explanation for the substitution raised eyebrows, and while the boss emphasized the need for rotation ahead of Sunday’s match against Aston Villa, removing their most dangerous player seemed questionable in a tied match.
Concerning Patterns Resurface
The seven-minute collapse that saw Porto turn the game around will serve as an all-too-familiar reminder of United’s European struggles. Last season, the team endured a similar fate in their disastrous Champions League campaign, finishing bottom of their group.
Despite significant signings totaling over £200 million, the chaotic performance persists. Once Porto scored their first goal, it felt inevitable that the equalizer would follow. United’s defensive vulnerabilities remain a critical issue that Ten Hag can no longer ignore.
Ten Hag’s Post-Match Reflection
After the match, Ten Hag reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “We started well and scored two goals, but then we lost control. We need to improve in the middle of the game. We had good players and a solid plan, but we must defend better. We’ve had clean sheets recently, so I know we can defend well.”
He added, “We are in the process of improvement and have had successful seasons where we’ve reached finals. The spirit and connection within the team are strong, but we must step up in certain defensive areas.”
A Star Is Born: Omorodion’s Brilliance
Harry Maguire’s last-minute equalizer was essential, but it was Samu Omorodion who shone brightest during the match. The 20-year-old forward was a constant threat, securing two goals against a challenged De Ligt and marking himself as a talent on the European stage.
Porto’s star might have been a Chelsea target during the summer, but contractual issues prevented the move. As Omorodion continues to impress, those at Stamford Bridge may now be pondering what could have been. With seven goals in his last five games, he looks poised to be a defining player for Porto moving forward.
Credit: Sky Sports
