Manchester United is looking to bounce back from a tough loss in the Premier League as they head to Estadio do Dragao to take on Porto in their second Europa League match of the season this Thursday night.
The Red Devils suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday, while Porto enjoyed a solid 4-0 victory over Arouca in the Primeira Liga.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is facing increasing pressure after what some have called the worst start to a Premier League season for the club, with just seven points from their first six matches. The loss to Spurs was particularly painful, described by former defender Gary Neville as "disgusting" and "one of the worst performances" under Ten Hag.
Things didn’t get easier with the controversial red card shown to Bruno Fernandes, but the team's issues were evident even before that, as Tottenham easily sliced through United's midfield, exposing familiar weaknesses.
Ten Hag has now recorded ten defeats by at least three goals since taking charge, including two this season. Despite having invested over £600 million in new players, the team has struggled, with 12 of the 16 players used against Spurs being brought in under his management.
Although reports suggest that the club's hierarchy isn’t planning a managerial change right away, Ten Hag’s position could become precarious if performances don’t improve. He only signed a new two-year contract in July but needs results soon.
Before the loss to Spurs, United managed a lackluster 1-1 draw against FC Twente in their opening Europa League match. However, they do have a strong track record against Portuguese teams, remaining unbeaten in their last 12 European encounters.
The last time they faced Porto at Estadio do Dragao was in 2009, where a stunning long-range goal from Cristiano Ronaldo secured a 1-0 Champions League win. Another victory on Thursday would buy Ten Hag some time and help United get their Europa League campaign back on track before facing Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce.
In contrast to United's struggles, Porto has had a great start to their domestic season, winning six out of their first seven Primeira Liga games, with a goal difference of 16-1. Their only loss came against the league leaders, Sporting Lisbon, at the end of August.
Most recently, Porto defeated Arouca 4-0 at home, with second-half goals from Samu Omorodion, Nico Gonzalez, Galeno, and Deniz Gul helping them solidify their second-place position.
Head coach Vitor Bruno, who took over from Sergio Conceicao in the summer, praised his team's performance and hopes they can carry their domestic success into Europe. However, Porto's Europa League campaign got off to a rocky start with a surprising 3-2 loss to Bodo/Glimt, despite having a player advantage for most of the second half.
Historically, Porto has faced Manchester United eight times in Europe, winning only twice: a 4-0 victory in 1977 and a 2-1 win in the 2004 Champions League quarter-finals on their way to the title.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Porto will be missing long-term absentees Zaidu Sanusi and Ivan Marcano, both sidelined with ACL injuries. Otavio, who has been out for the last three games due to a muscle issue, is also doubtful for Thursday.
On the bright side, the Dragons welcomed back Arsenal loanee Fabio Vieira last weekend. He came on as a substitute for the last 20 minutes and could be in line for his first start since rejoining the club this summer.
Samu Omorodion, who had been linked with a move to Chelsea before signing with Porto, scored on his Europa League debut and is expected to lead the attack again. He’ll likely have support from wingers Pepe and Galeno.
For Manchester United, Leny Yoro (foot), Luke Shaw (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Mason Mount (head knock) are all out. However, manager Erik ten Hag is encouraged by the return of Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire to training. Mainoo had to come off against Spurs with a muscle issue, while Maguire missed the match entirely with a knock.
If Mainoo isn’t ready to start, either former Porto player Casemiro or Christian Eriksen could step in alongside Ugarte in midfield. Captain Bruno Fernandes will continue in his role as the number 10, despite his red card in the Premier League being rescinded.
United has struggled in the final third, putting Joshua Zirkzee’s spot under threat from Rasmus Hojlund. Meanwhile, Amad Diallo and Antony will be vying for starting positions against Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford on the wings.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Porto possible starting lineup:
Costa; Mario, Pedro, Perez, Moura; Gonzalez, Varela; Pepe, Sousa, Galeno; Omorodion
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Eriksen, Ugarte; Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
EXPERT PREDICTION
Porto 1-1 Manchester United
Ten Hag really needs his Manchester United players to step up on Thursday, but winning against Porto won’t be easy. The Portuguese side has lost just one of their last 22 home matches across all competitions, with 18 wins and 3 draws.
United’s last four European away games have seen a whopping 23 goals scored—nine for them and 14 against. They've managed to win only once during that stretch, so another tough road trip is likely in store for Ten Hag and his team. They might have to settle for a draw this time around.
