Erik ten Hag came into Thursday night’s clash against Porto needing an improved performance from his players but above all, an improved result. And for 20 minutes he looked to have just that.Â
The Dutchman’s knack of getting a tune out of his troops when he needs it most appeared to be materalising once more as goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund gave the Premier League outfit a commanding lead.Â
But unlike must-win fixtures of the past, the Red Devils were unable to come through for their embattled boss.Â
So it seemed until Harry Maguire rescued a point at the end and possibly rescued his manager’s job.Â
Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT was in attendance at the Estadio do Dragao to reveal how the players on each got on.
Harry Maguire rescued a point for Manchester United with a pinpoint header in the final minutes of the game
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second time in four days at the Estadio Do Dragao
Samu Omorodion’s brace – either side of half time – completed Porto’s thrilling comeback win
MAN UNITED
Andre Onana – 6
Made a stunning save to stop a Noussair Mazraoui own goal but was left exposed by his defenders as United threw a 2-0 lead away.
Needs to be asking serious questions because it’s a settled group in front of him and the errors are basic. Made some key stops to prevent this looking worse than it already did.
Diogo Dalot – 4
Continues to look exposed playing out-of-position at left back. Was clear that Porto’s game-plan identified their former player as the weak link.
Got torched in the first half and he was caught between dropping off and pressing to stop the cross. How badly United need an orthodox left back fit… but that’s not happening before Villa on Sunday.
Lisandro Martinez – 4.5
Did not cover himself in glory with his positioning for Porto’s first goal and got beaten for pace way too easily for the go-ahead third.
Was working closely with Ten Hag prior to flying out to Porto on his positioning and when to be aggressive and commit. Clouded thinking here cost him in crucial moments.
Continues to look exposed playing out-of-position at left back. Was clear that Porto’s game-plan identified their former player as the weak link.
Simply has to do so much better in the box marking one of Europe’s most wanted marksmen.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Simply has to do so much better in the box marking one of Europe’s most wanted marksmen.
Makes a hazardous clearance moments before Porto equalised at 2-2 and then lost his man for the goal. Third goal he stands off and gets punished. Will have heard all the noise and criticism from Jamie Carragher, Paul Scholes and others and this one strengthened their arguments.
Will be bitterly disappointed when he watches this one back.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5.5
Won plenty of aerial duals with Porto peppering the United box with balls in. Was the least culpable in the back-line for the defensive collapse.
It spoke volumes that Porto rarely ventured down his side. Doesn’t offer enough going forward, though, which leaves him limited.
Casemiro – 4.5
Preferred to Manuel Ugarte as the screener in front of this defence but he was too easy to play through. Little to no resistance for the opposition – again.
Gaping holes in the United midfield don’t help him but a player of his experience needs to do more to find a solution, surely?
Christian Eriksen – 6.5
Teed up Marcus Rashford for the opener and was instrumental in the second goal. Continues to look such a threat when freed from defending.
Spoke passionately after the draw to FC Twente about those players wanting it more. Well, on this occasion, it wasn’t effort, more so application, that cost them.
One of his brightest displays in some time. A goal and an assist to put Manchester United 2-0 up
Sent off for the second time in two games. Frustration, even with his one in the Premier League overturned, got the better of him on a night
His first start of the season due to injury and he marked it with a goal. Makes runs that Joshua Zirkzee simply doesn’t
Marcus Rashford – 7.5
One of his brightest displays in some time. A goal and an assist to put United 2-0 up was no more than his front-footed performance deserved.
On the day he was again snubbed for the England squad this was a timely reminder of just how lethal he can be in full flight.
Shame it ended after 45 minutes for what seemingly looked like an injury precaution.
Bruno Fernandes – 3
Sent off for the second time in two games. Frustration, even with his one in the Premier League overturned, got the better of him on a night where he was largely anonymous.
In the position he plays and the responsibility that comes with wearing the captain’s armband, he simply needs to do more to impact the game than he did here on a chastening night in his home country.
Amad Diallo – 5
Looked tentative too often when running at his full-back. Had little to no impact on the game and that’s nowhere near good enough.
Was no surprise at all when he was among the first hooked and replaced by the lesser-spotted Antony.
Rasmus Hojlund – 7
His first start of the season due to injury and he marked it with a goal. Makes runs that Joshua Zirkzee simply doesn’t and a fit Hojlund should be starting every game from here on in.
A really promising performance from the young Dane.
Came into a must-win game and had a dream start going 2-0 up. But his Manchester United teams collapse in Europe
Manager: Erik ten Hag 4
Came into a must-win game and had a dream start going 2-0 up. But his Manchester United teams collapse in Europe. Deja-vu.
PORTO (4-3-3):Â
D Costa 3, Moura 6.5, Pedro 6, Perez 5, Joao Mario 4.5 (D Gul 78); Nico 6, Eustaquio 5 (Vieira 78), Varela 6.5; Pepe 7 (M Fernandes 63, 6), Omorodion 8.5 (Grujic 78), Galeno 7
Subs not used: Borges, Claudio Ramos, Danny, Djalo, Franco, Ivan Jaime, R Mora, Sousa
Manager: Vitor Bruno 7