Erik ten Hag has urged Manchester United fans and management to reserve their judgment on his tenure until the end of the season after his side salvaged a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League on Thursday.
The pressure was mounting on Ten Hag ahead of the trip to Portugal, with United managing just two wins from their first six Premier League matches, leaving them languishing in 13th place. The Red Devils have also drawn their opening two Europa League fixtures, placing them 21st in the 36-team group.
Ten Hag staunchly defended his record, having led United to win the League Cup and FA Cup in his first two seasons, thereby ending the club’s six-year trophy drought. A stunning victory over Manchester City in last season’s FA Cup final was pivotal in saving his position, despite a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League.
However, the Manchester United hierarchy may feel compelled to make a decision during the upcoming international break, especially with a challenging away match against Aston Villa looming on Sunday.
United’s performance in Porto started brightly, with Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund scoring to give them a 2-0 lead within the first 20 minutes. However, the club’s struggles continued as they failed to secure a win in their last four away European fixtures, despite scoring three goals in each match.
The match at Estadio do Dragao saw Porto’s Pepe and Samu Omorodion equalising before half-time. Omorodion then put the home side ahead early in the second half, while United’s captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second consecutive game. Harry Maguire’s late header from a corner rescued a point for Ten Hag’s side.
Maguire has lost his regular starting position to Matthijs de Ligt, who previously played under Ten Hag at Ajax.