Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag acknowledged that his side must improve after allowing a 2-0 lead to slip away in a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League. A stoppage-time header from Harry Maguire salvaged a point for United, but the result left many fans frustrated as defensive lapses once again marred their European campaign. Ten Hag, while disappointed with the performance, emphasized that his team is still a work in progress and urged fans to judge the team at the end of the season rather than in this difficult moment.
A Fast Start But Familiar Issues Emerge
United came into the match in need of a positive result following a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Premier League just days earlier. With pressure mounting on Ten Hag and his squad, they needed to show resilience and bounce back. And for the first 20 minutes, it looked like they would do just that.
Marcus Rashford opened the scoring early, using his blistering pace and clinical finishing to put United ahead. The goal was a relief for a team that had struggled for consistency in recent weeks. Just minutes later, Rasmus Højlund doubled the lead, taking advantage of a Porto defensive mistake to slide the ball into the net.
At 2-0, United appeared to be in control. Their forward line was causing problems for the Porto defense, and the midfield, led by Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, was dictating the tempo. However, as has been the case so often this season, United’s defensive vulnerabilities began to show.
Porto’s Comeback Shows United’s Fragility
Despite United’s early dominance, Porto refused to lie down. The Portuguese side began to grow into the game, and United’s defense, which has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency all season, started to crack under the pressure. Porto’s first goal came from veteran defender Pepe, who was left unmarked at the back post and poked home a close-range effort from a set piece.
The equalizer came shortly before halftime when Samu Omorodion, a summer target for Chelsea, outmuscled Matthijs de Ligt to head in a powerful goal. The quick turnaround from Porto left United reeling, and it felt as though the momentum had completely shifted by the break.
A Red Card and Another Collapse
United’s hopes of regaining control in the second half were dealt a major blow when Bruno Fernandes, already on a yellow card, was sent off for a high foot challenge in the 81st minute.
Playing with ten men, United found it increasingly difficult to contain Porto, who sensed the opportunity to take all three points. Porto pushed forward, creating several chances, and it felt inevitable that they would find a breakthrough. In the 89th minute, they did just that, with Omorodion once again proving to be a handful, as his physicality and aerial prowess caused problems for United’s defense.
The mood among United fans and players alike was one of frustration and disappointment. But in the dying moments of stoppage time, Harry Maguire rose highest to meet a corner and headed the ball into the back of the net to rescue a point. While Maguire’s goal avoided a full-blown crisis, the result still felt like a missed opportunity for Ten Hag’s men.
Ten Hag’s Call for Patience
After the match, Ten Hag was clear that his side must improve, particularly when it comes to holding onto leads. Going 2-0 up away from home, we should have seen the game out. But we allowed them to get back into the game too easily, and that’s something we need to work on.”
Pressed on his future at the club amid increasing scrutiny, Ten Hag remained optimistic. “We will get there,” he insisted. “Don’t judge our team in this moment, judge us at the end of the season. We are in the process of building something. We’ve been to finals in the past two seasons, and we’ll improve. Just wait.”
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