Manchester United faced yet another European night to forget as they battled to a thrilling 3-3 draw against Porto. While the Red Devils started strong, their inability to hold onto a lead has become familiar. A stoppage-time header from Harry Maguire salvaged a point. Still, United’s winless away record in Europe extends to four games, raising more questions about their consistency under Erik ten Hag.
Rashford’s Early Brilliance
From the get-go, Manchester United looked sharp and ready to dominate. Though ambitious in the opening exchanges, Porto found themselves behind just seven minutes into the match. Marcus Rashford, in typical fashion, cut in from the left, leaving Porto defenders Stephen Eustáquio and João Mário in his wake before sliding a low shot past Diogo Costa at his near post. It was a clinical finish, and Rashford was just getting started.
Barely moments later, Rashford was at the heart of United’s second goal. Drifting inside confidently, he set up Rasmus Højlund, who took full advantage of space on the overlap to beat Costa again at his near post. In just 20 minutes, United had taken a two-goal lead, punishing Porto’s defensive frailties.
Porto’s Rapid Comeback
Just as United seemed in control, Porto launched a stunning comeback. João Mário’s pinpoint crosses wreaked havoc in United’s box, leading to two quickfire goals. First, Samu pressured Noussair Mazraoui into an own-goal attempt, forcing André Onana into a save, only for Pepê to react first and tap in the rebound.
Seven minutes later, another João Mário delivery found Samu, who outjumped Matthijs de Ligt to power a header into the roof of the net, leaving Onana helpless. Porto had leveled the game in a flash, and United’s early dominance was undone.
Second-Half Struggles
Manchester United’s woes deepened in the second half, particularly after the halftime withdrawal of Rashford. Buoyed by their comeback, Porto pressed forward and eventually took the lead through Samu’s second goal of the night. Nico González set up Pepê down the right, and his inch-perfect pullback found Samu, who smashed the ball into the top corner at the near post.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second consecutive match as if the situation couldn’t get worse for United. A second yellow card for a high boot meant United were reduced to ten men, and Porto smelled blood. Deniz Gül had a chance to seal the victory for the hosts, but he squandered a glorious opportunity, leaving the door open for a United response.
Maguire’s Late Heroics
In the dying moments of stoppage time, Manchester United earned a corner, and their substitute savior arrived in the form of Harry Maguire. The center-back, known for his aerial prowess, leaped highest and delivered a bullet header past Diogo Costa to secure a dramatic draw for the visitors. It was a moment of redemption for Maguire, but for United, the result still felt like two points lost rather than one gained.
This was the fourth consecutive away game in Europe in which Manchester United scored three goals but failed to win. With a crucial Premier League match against Aston Villa looming, pressure is mounting on Erik ten Hag to turn United’s fortunes around.
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Erik Ten Hag’s Troubles Continue
This latest draw further intensifies the scrutiny of Erik ten Hag’s management of Manchester United. While the team is still capable of brilliance, as demonstrated by Rashford and Højlund’s early strikes, their defensive instability and mental fragility remain significant concerns.
With Bruno Fernandes facing disciplinary issues and key players like Rashford struggling with fitness, Ten Hag faces a tricky task ahead of the next domestic fixture. A victory against Aston Villa could offer some much-needed respite, but failure to win could see the Dutchman’s position come under serious threat.
For now, Manchester United’s European ambitions hang in the balance, and their supporters hope the team can finally end its ongoing struggles on the continental stage.
