Harry Maguire’s injury-time equaliser spared Erik ten Hag further criticism as Manchester United squandered a 2-0 lead before securing a 3-3 draw at Porto in the Europa League on Thursday.
The Red Devils started strongly, with Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund scoring within the first 20 minutes. However, Porto fought back, led by Samu Omorodion’s brace after Pepe had reduced the deficit. United, already down to 10 men following Bruno Fernandes’ second red card in as many games, managed to salvage a point thanks to Maguire’s late header.
This is United’s second consecutive Europa League draw, following last week’s stalemate against FC Twente, intensifying pressure on Ten Hag before their upcoming Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
United’s manager made four changes after the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, bringing in Højlund, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Amad Diallo. The changes initially paid off, with Rashford firing United ahead after weaving through Porto’s defence and beating Diogo Costa. Højlund doubled the lead soon after, converting Rashford’s pass with a powerful strike.
However, Porto rallied, and within seven minutes, Pepe headed in a rebound to start the comeback. Omorodion then levelled the score with a towering header, his seventh goal in six games for the Portuguese side. He struck again early in the second half, completing the turnaround with a fierce finish following a swift counter-attack.
Fernandes’ dismissal seemed to doom United, but Maguire rose to the occasion, heading in Eriksen’s corner in stoppage time to secure a point for the visitors.