Manchester United’s woes continued in the Europa League, as they stumbled to a 3-3 draw against FC Porto at the Estádio do Dragão. Despite a strong start, United once again showed their fragility, throwing away a two-goal lead and relying on a last-minute header from Harry Maguire to avoid complete embarrassment. Erik ten Hag, who is under increasing pressure, watched his side unravel in a manner that has become all too familiar this season.
First Half: A False Dawn for United
The match started brightly for Manchester United, with Marcus Rashford opening the scoring in the 7th minute after a smart pass from Christian Eriksen. Rashford’s pace and clinical finishing looked to have given United a foothold, and just 13 minutes later, Rasmus Højlund doubled the lead with a well-taken goal, his first of the season. However, even in these moments of promise, United looked vulnerable.
Defensive lapses soon emerged, and Porto capitalised. The hosts clawed their way back into the game in the 27th minute when Pepe reacted first to a rebound from a João Mário shot, narrowing the deficit. United’s defensive frailties were laid bare again just seven minutes later when Samu Omorodion muscled past Matthijs de Ligt to head Porto level.
Second Half: A Familiar Collapse
With momentum on their side, Porto started the second half confidently. Omorodion, who tormented United’s defence all night, scored his second in the 50th minute, punishing a static United backline. Once again, Erik ten Hag’s team looked disjointed and unable to cope under pressure. United’s inability to control the game became more evident as Porto dominated the second half.
To make matters worse, Bruno Fernandes received his second red card in as many games, reducing United to 10 men in the 81st minute. His reckless challenge not only reflected the lack of discipline in the team but also left United scrambling for a solution.
With Porto threatening to add a fourth, United’s situation seemed dire.
Maguire Saves the Day, But Questions Remain
In the dying moments of the match, Harry Maguire, who had been benched for much of the game, rose highest to head home Christian Eriksen’s corner, salvaging an unlikely point for United. While Maguire’s late equaliser may have spared them from defeat, it papered over the deep-rooted issues that have plagued the team this season.
United’s defensive collapse, lack of control in midfield, and inability to see out games have become recurring themes under Ten Hag. The Dutchman, who arrived with high expectations, now faces mounting scrutiny, with fans and pundits alike questioning his ability to get the best out of this squad. This result, while not a loss, feels like yet another setback for a team that continues to struggle in Europe and domestically.
