Manchester United team pose for a photograph prior to the UEFA Europa League match against FC Porto at Estadio do Dragao on October 03, 2024 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Manchester United were involved in a six-game thriller against FC Porto on Thursday night and most of the reaction saw the Reds hammered for throwing away a two-goal lead.
Erik ten Hag’s side made the perfect start, scoring two goals in the first 20 minutes but more drama would unfold.
Porto responded seven minutes later, with Pepe scoring a header to pull one back for the home side. Samu Omorodion used his strength to score a header from close range to level the scoreline at 2-2.
The Portuguese outfit completed the turnaround just five minutes into the second half. Unfortunately, matters worsened when Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a second bookable offence.
It was an end-to-end game so both teams had plenty of opportunities to score. United were down to 10-men and it looked like another defeat to under-fire Ten Hag until substitute Harry Maguire scored a towering header from a corner to secure a point for the Reds.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Maguire assessed the performance and backed the manager.
Paul Robinson impressed by Manchester United’s character
Former Premier League goalkeeper turned BBC Sport pundit Paul Robsinson praised 10-man United for showing character and determination to come out of the tie with a point.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: “We said, ‘why was he bringing on Maguire and Evans?’ That’s why. Corner in from Eriksen and Maguire rises with a powerful header – Porto have no-one on the posts and they pay for it. Powerful strong header.
“That shows spirit and a team where a manager has not lost the dressing room. Yes, they have been outplayed at parts but they have shown a lot of character and a lot of determination.
“With 10 men they have pressed and it looks like they will walk away with a point.”
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