Manchester United travel to the Estadio do Dragao today (October 3) to face FC Porto in the UEFA Europa League. Erik ten Hag's job could be on the line with the Red Devils struggling for form and wounded after a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Ten Hag's Reds kickstarted their European campaign with a dissapointing 1-1 draw against Dutch outfit FC Twente. Christian Eriksen opened the scoring only for lapses in concentration to allow the visitors back into the game through Sam Lammers' second half strike. It's vital for the Old Trafford outfit to get back to winning ways with the pressure growing on the manager.
Manchester United vs. FC Porto Preview
Manchester United's dismal showing against Tottenham was arguably the worst display of Ten Hag's tenure at the club. It's led to widespread reports that the Dutchman is close to being sacked and the clock is ticking for him to save his job.
The Red Devils have won three, lost three and drawn two of their opening eight games across competitions. They come up against a Porto side who aren't at their best, opening their Europa League campaign with a 3-2 defeat to 10-man Bodo/Glimt. Vitor Bruno's men sit second in Liga Portugal with six wins in seven games, so they can be considered favorites to win on home soil.
The last time these two sides met was in April 2009 when United won the UEFA Champions League that season. Sir Alex Ferguson's Reds beat the Portuguese giants 1-0 at the Estadio do Dragao which could be a good omen for Ten Hag. The visitors' overall record against the Dragons is three wins and two defeats in eight games.
Manchester United Expected XI vs. FC Porto
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Mainoo, Eriksen; Amad, Hojlund, Garnacho
Ten Hag has big decisions to make regarding his team selection for the Red Devils' clash against Porto. He'll be under pressure to make changes to the side that were blown away by ruthless Tottenham on the weekend irrespective of Bruno Fernandes' sending off.
Fernandes was set for a three-game suspension but United have successfully appealed against the poor red card decision. He was coming under scrutiny regarding his recent performances before his sending off and Ten Hag might decide to drop him for Eriksen who has fared well this season.
Ten Hag could also make changes at the back following Matthijs de Ligt's poor showing against Spurs. The Dutch defender could also come out of the starting lineup for Harry Maguire who is available after missing the defeat to the Lilywhites.
Rasmus Hojlund came off the bench in that game and the Danish striker might get his first start of the season. Joshua Zirkzee has struggled in front of goal and the Reds are in dire need of goals amid a run of one goal in their last three outings.
Manchester United vs. FC Porto Prediction
Manchester United must win this game for Ten Hag to keep his job, with the international break looking likely to be INEOS's breaking point. If he does oversee a victory in Portugal, that might not still be enough, with a tough trip to Aston Villa next up. The hosts are the team with the most confidence heading into the clash at the Estadio do Dragao, and unfortunately, they should put the nail in the coffin for the Dutch coach's reign in charge.
Prediction: FC Porto 2-1 Manchester United
Where to watch and match details
Match Information: FC Porto vs Manchester United
Location: Estadio do Dragao
When: 3/10/2024
Kick-Off: 20:00 GMT
TV: TNT Sports / CBS Sports Golazo
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