Super sub Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time header saved Manchester United’s blushes and potentially Erik ten Hag’s job as the Europa League clash with Porto ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Four days after their 3-0 home humiliation at the hands of Tottenham, the Red Devils put criticism of the players and their under-fire manager to the side with an impressive start in Portugal.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second straight match as Ten Hag squirmed, only for Maguire to head home a Christian Eriksen corner in stoppage time to seal a point.
The Matchday Two Thriller
The Portuguese giants welcomed Manchester United to the Do Dragão stadium. Even though the Red devils collected wotowoto for their Premier League match against Tottenham over the weekend, and Manager Erik ten Hag leg dey shake for the club, they still had hope to bounce back. The matchday two of the Europa league match hot well-well wit six goals.
The Red Devils' Strong Start
Manchester United took the lead for the first half when they scored two goals. Marcus Rashford scored the first while Rasmus Hojlund scored the second goal. This was Hojlund’s first start of the season and he was clearly hungry to make an impact.
A Porto Comeback
FC Porto came back into the game when Pepe scored for the 27th minute. Samu Omoriodon scored the second goal for the for the 34th minute. The third goal came for the 50th minute when Samu gave FC Porto the lead before Manchester United scored the equalizer for added time with a good header from Harry Maguire.
A Tense Second Half
The second half was a tense affair, with both teams having chances to score. United were down to 10 men after Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second time in as many games. But they showed great character to equalize in the dying moments.
Maguire's Heroics
Maguire came on as a substitute in the second half and had a big impact on the game. His header in the 91st minute was a real moment of inspiration for United. It was a moment that showed the resilience of the team, and it potentially saved Ten Hag’s job.
What's Next?
The draw means that United are still unbeaten in their last 12 European encounters against Portuguese opposition. They will be looking to build on this result when they face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
The pressure is still on Ten Hag, but this result will have given him a much-needed boost.
A Night of Drama and Controversy
The game was full of drama and controversy. Fernandes' red card was a talking point, as was the late equaliser. But in the end, it was Maguire who emerged as the hero. His goal was a reminder of the importance of never giving up.
It was a night that will be remembered for a long time.
Porto 3-3 Manchester United: Key Moments
Here are some of the key moments from the game:
- 7' GOAL! Rashford fires visitors in front, Porto 0-1 Man Utd. Rashford gets on the end of a neat pass, before cutting inside and slotting the ball past Costa.
- 20' GOAL! Hojlund adds second after another Diogo Costa error, Porto 0-2 Man Utd. Hojlund found himself in the right place at the right time, capitalising on Costa's poor clearance to fire the ball into the back of the net.
- 27' GOAL! Pepe knocks in rebound to pull one back, Porto 1-2 Man Utd. Pepe was able to capitalise on a rebound to score, giving the home side a glimmer of hope.
- 35' GOAL! Samu Omorodian heads hosts level, Porto 2-2 Man Utd. Samu Omorodion’s header from a Joao Mario cross took the score to 2-2.
- 50' GOAL! Omorodion adds another to complete comeback, Porto 3-2 Man Utd. Samu Omorodion showed real composure to grab his second goal of the match, putting Porto ahead.
- 90+1' GOAL! Harry Maguire heads late equaliser, Porto 3-3 Man Utd. Maguire stepped up to head in a corner from Eriksen in the 90th minute.
The Red Devils' Next Challenge
This result will give United a much-needed confidence boost going into their next game. They will be looking to continue their momentum when they face Aston Villa in the Premier League.
This result may have saved Erik ten Hag's job, but he will be hoping for a more convincing performance against Aston Villa.
