Porto vs Manchester United LIVE: Europa League team news, line ...
(Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
Manchester United face Porto on Thursday evening in the second match of their 2024/25 Europa League campaign.
Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to bounce back from their humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Spurs last weekend with the Dutchman is under plenty of pressure after a string of disappointing results.
Rumours have circulated that Ten Hag has just two games to save his job, after a run of results that also included a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace and a 1-1 draw with FC Twente in United’s first game of the new league phase.
Porto have not had United’s struggles in the league, though they did lose 3-2 to Bodo/Glimt in their first Europa League match, so perhaps tonight can be a much-needed victory for Ten Hag ahead of the weekend’s test away at Aston Villa.
Follow all the latest updates below, as well as the reaction to the evening’s other Europa League matches:
Manchester United face Porto in the Europa League, with kick-off at 8pm | Live on TNT Sports
United boss Erik ten Hag is fighting for his job after last week’s embarrassing 3-0 loss to Spurs
Porto sit second in the Primeira Liga, with six wins from seven games
Porto XI: Costa, Joao Mario, Ze Pedro, Nehuen, Moura, Varela, Eustaquio, Nico, Pepe, Galeno, Omorodion
Man Utd XI: Onana, Mazraoui, De Light, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Eriksen, Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund.
FC Porto - Manchester United FC
Erik ten Hag on facing Porto19:21 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag spoke about what he is expecting from tonight’s match saying: “We know that Porto are a good team, with good players and good strategy. We have to play good football to get a positive result. The way they attack, with dynamism and creativity, and the way they defend, with aggressivness, will be a real challenge for use.
“The team is frustrated, due to the defeat at the weekend and also for not winning in three games. When we are not winning, we get very disappointed. But we have to turn things around, with all the players having to be up to the task in every game. Opponents are always 100 per cent motivated against us and we have to be prepared for that.”
The last time Porto hosted a Premier League heavyweight19:19 , Will Castle
The Estadio do Dragao is not an easy place to visit - just ask Arsenal.
Nothing for me to panic about – Erik ten Hag calm over Man Utd’s poor start19:15 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United’s poor start to the campaign is nothing “to panic about” as the under-fire manager ignores talk of the sack and focuses on ending the season with more silverware.
May’s FA Cup final win against rivals Manchester City was the high point in a miserable campaign and helped save the Dutchman’s job after lengthy deliberation by ambitious Ineos.
But Ten Hag’s third season in charge has begun in alarming fashion, with Sunday’s 3-0 home humbling by Tottenham ratcheting up the pressure on the United manager.
Nothing for me to panic about – Erik ten Hag calm over Man Utd’s poor start
Travel nightmare for Man Utd fans19:15 , Will Castle
There will be a fair few empty seats in the away end of the Estadio do Dragao this evening after a flight that was supposed to be carrying some 180 Manchester United fans was cancelled.
Supporters were left waiting at Manchester Airport for a gruelling ten hours before being informed their flight would not be taking off due to the fact there were no landing spots available in Porto.
Varela on striving to win19:09 , Mike Jones
Porto midfielder, Alan Varela, says his team owe it to the fans to try and defeat Manchester United when they clash in the Europa League tonight.
Varela said: “We work at all times to win. In the first round that didn’t happen but we want it to happen now. The fans deserve it. The quality this squad has makes us believe in that, even if on the other side is a strong opponent like Manchester United.”
Porto team news19:06 , Will Castle
Only one change for Vitor Bruno’s Porto to the side that started their 4-0 win over Arouca on Sunday as Canadian midfielder Stephen Eustaquio replaces Nicolas Gonzalez.
Porto starting XI: Costa, Joao Mario, Ze Pedro, Nehuen, Moura, Varela, Eustaquio, Nico, Pepe, Galeno, Omorodion. Subs: Ramos, Djalo, Grujic, Fabio Vieira, Vasco Sousa, Ivan Jaime, Namaso, Andre Franco, Deniz Gul, Martim Fernandes, Goncalo Borges, Rodrigo Mora.
Man Utd team news19:04 , Will Castle
Rasmus Hojlund makes his first start of the campaign as Erik ten Hag makes four changes to the side that got beaten 3-0 by Tottenham on Sunday.
Manuel Ugarte, Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee all drop to the bench while Kobbie Mainoo misses out after being forced off against Spurs through injury.
Coming into the starting XI are Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Amad Diallo.
Man Utd starting XI: Onana, Mazraoui, De Light, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Eriksen, Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund. Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Evans, Lindelof, Maguire, Collyer, Gore, Ugarte, Antony, Garnacho, Zirkzee.
Antony on drew with FC Twente19:03 , Mike Jones
Manchester United’s first Europa League game resulted in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against FC Twente last week.
“We were quite sad after the Twente game,” said winger Antony when asked about the game.
“We wanted the win and we had to analyse this afterwards but we’ve analysed the game now and the errors committed. But now we are ready for the next game and to get the three points.
“We need to focus on our game, not on them, and believe in our work and everything we have been doing in training. That way, we can get things right during the game.”
Antony on facing Porto18:57 , Mike Jones
“Porto are an excellent team,” Man Utd winger Antony told the club’s media team ahead of flying out for the Europa League encounter.
“But we also have an excellent team. It will be a difficult game with Porto being at home but we will be well prepared ahead of the tie.
“I have heard a lot about the Estadio da Dragao, from Casemiro as well, as he played for Porto. It is a great stadium right? We are going to have a difficult game that we need to prepare well to have a great game.
“I know Pepe, I played with him with the national team and he is a great player. Brazilians always have something to offer.“
Will Porto come out on top?18:42 , Mike Jones
Despite being beaten 3-2 by Bodo/Glimt in matchday one, the Portuguese side registered a whopping 28 shots, their most in a European match since they played Roma in 2019.
With such a high shot count things could easily get away from Man Utd who’s defence has not been as strong as it would like so far this season.
Porto vs Man Utd18:36 , Mike Jones
The two clubs have met eight times with Manchester United winning three of these fixtures in comparison to Porto’s two victories.
The last time United visited the Estadio do Dragao, Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-range effort sealed a narrow 1-0 victory for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Can the repeat that success tonight?
Bruno Fernandes’s new low is a symbol of Erik ten Hag’s collapsing Man Utd regime18:30 , Mike Jones
The defence calls the Tottenham No 10. “Even [James] Maddison when he gets up, he said it was a foul but never a red card,” insisted Bruno Fernandes. And if it was an accurate version of events; but even if with a star witness, he was pleading in vain. “I don’t think it was a red card,” said Erik ten Hag. “I don’t know why VAR doesn’t call the referee to the screen,” added Fernandes
There is a simple answer to that: because Chris Kavanagh’s initial decision was correct, because a high challenge connected with Maddison’s leg when nowhere near the ball. Fernandes’s lunge looked reckless and out of control, the sort that could be deemed dangerous. Cut through the Portuguese’s grumbles, however, and there was one pertinent comment. “I let my teammates down with one man down,” said Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes’s new low is a symbol of Erik ten Hag’s collapsing Man Utd regime
Manchester United injury news18:24 , Mike Jones
Here is a round-up of Manchester United’s injury concerns:
Kobbie Mainoo - The midfielder was substituted during the 3-0 defeat by Tottenham but trained with the squad this week and appears to be fully fit.
Mason Mount - Mount came on against Spurs only to be taken off again with a head injury. He sat out of training this week but it is thought to be a precautionary measure after he suffered a minor cut, rather than any concussion. He is a doubt for Porto but is likely to be available for the weekend’s trip to Aston Villa.
Harry Maguire - Maguire missed the Tottenham game with an unspecified knock in training, but he was back in training this week and is expected to be available.
Victor Lindelof - Lindelof is back in training and the Swedish defender could make his first appearance of the season in the coming weeks.
Luke Shaw - The full-back’s injury troubles have continued this season but he could be back later this month after progress from his calf strain.
Leny Yoro - The big-money signing is not expected to be fit until November after fracturing a foot bone. “Yes, he is doing very well,” Ten Hag said last week. “It is very pleasing that his rehab is going in the right direction and I expect him soon, but what I mean by soon, is that he is now in the right planning process.
“He is in the right spot and he will return as soon as possible into the squad and then the team training.”
Tyrell Malacia - The full-back missed the entire 2023-24 season with a knee injury, but he was named in United’s Europa League group stage squad to suggest a return is imminent. However, Malacia has still not featured in team training so November is a likely return.
Manchester United still in ‘transition'18:18 , Mike Jones
Man Utd boss, Erik ten Hag, reiterated his claim that the team are in “transition” but can still achieve their targets this season.
Having won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in his first two years in charge, Ten Hag believes United can challenge for silverware again.
“From the moment I came in, we knew we had to change,” he said. “We had to replace some older players and bring new players in. Our choice was to bring young players in and you know that takes time to get the messages on board, to get a game model on board and to introduce a new culture that takes time.
“In the meantime, you have to win and I think we have proven in the last two years, and we win. And I’ve proven in my career that always I will win. The last six years I have [won] eight trophies.
“We have to embed the game model, we have to embed a stronger team as we have now and so we have to work on our problems and give the solutions. We have a good potential on players so once it’s embedded we will go and we will drive, and I’m sure we will achieve the targets we have set for this season.
“That is always winning trophies and finishing as high as possible of course in the league because that is definitely a very important purpose for us.”
Man Utd need to keep up ‘belief’ says Ten Hag18:12 , Mike Jones
Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, says his players need to keep believing that they can turn their form and results around.
“The most important is always keeping the belief,” he told Sky Sports. “You stay in the game by keeping the belief. That’s the most important message that we have to give because if you lose your faith you lose everything.
“We have to keep going and stick to the plan and move on.”
Erik ten Hag reveals Manchester United’s biggest problem after Tottenham defeat18:06 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United’s “most important” problem to solve is improving the team’s self-belief ahead of important fixtures against Porto and Aston Villa this week.
The manager is under increased pressure after Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur but is set to be given the trips to Porto and Villa before the international break.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Ten Hag insisted that he is not worried about losing his job if results do not go United’s way and said the club are “together” under the new ownership.
Erik ten Hag reveals Manchester United’s biggest problem after Tottenham defeat
Man Utd players ‘mad’ about recent results18:00 , Mike Jones
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says that his team are ‘mad’ and ‘disappointed’ about their recent results and he’s backing them to turnaround their recent form/
“As always when we are not winning, we are very disappointed and we are also mad, mad with ourselves and especially when you lose a game like Sunday,” Ten Hag said at Wednesday’s delayed news conference.
“We are mad and from the madness we have to get motivation and go onto the next game.”
(EPA)
What are Man Utd’s next fixtures?17:54 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag is set to remain in charge of Manchester United after calling for more time after the dismal defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
United have made their joint-worst start to a Premier League season after losing three of their first six games - including 3-0 defeats to Liverpool and Spurs at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag is set to be given United’s next two games, which are tough trips to Porto in the Europa League and Aston Villa in the Premier League.
United’s visit to Villa Park comes on Sunday and is followed by the October international break, which could spell bad news for Ten Hag if results continue to go against him.
Benni McCarthy talks Erik ten Hag17:48 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag’s former assistant Benni McCarthy has claimed that the Manchester United manager lacks “fire” as pressure again builds on the Dutchman at Old Trafford.
“In modern football, I believe that players want to see a bit more passion in their coach,” the former Porto and Blackburn striker told Portuguese outlet ZeroZero. “They need to feel that the coach is with them and willing to fight alongside them.
“Tactically, I feel that Erik is at the top. He lacks a bit of that fire, that passion. That’s where we differ, him and I.”
Erik ten Hag’s former assistant claims Manchester United manager lacks ‘fire and passion’17:42 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag’s former assistant Benni McCarthy has claimed that the Manchester United manager lacks “fire” and “passion” as pressure again builds on the Dutchman at Old Trafford.
A damaging defeat to Tottenham has led to renewed speculation over Ten Hag’s future after he narrowly avoided losing his job this summer.
It continued a difficult start to the season for the club that has left them languishing in 13th place in the Premier League with just two wins from their first six games.
Erik ten Hag’s former assistant claims Man United manager lacks ‘fire and passion’
Porto vs Man Utd prediction17:36 , Mike Jones
It is impossible to predict how United will play on any day, though expect a shaky and nervous performance after recent results and pressure.
The fact that Porto fell to a loss against Bodo/Glimt does offer encouragement though, and Erik ten Hag will likely rest fewer players than his Portuguese counterpart.
Porto 1-1 Manchester United.
Predicted line-ups and latest odds17:30 , Mike Jones
Here’s how we see the two teams lining up to face one another this evening. Man Utd should elect for pace in the forward line with Bruno Fernandes controlling play in midfield once more:
Porto XI: Costa; Mario, Pedro, Perez, Moura; Varela, Gonzalez; Pepe, Sousa, Galeno; Omorodion.
Man Utd XI: Onana; Mazraoui, de Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Ugarte; Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.
As for the latest odds from the bookmakers. United’s indifferent form means that they are only slight favourites to triumph this evening with Porto close behind at 17/10. But, with home advantage the Portuguese side may have the edge with the fans.
Porto 17/10
Draw 9/5
Man Utd 13/10
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Man Utd’s early team news17:24 , Mike Jones
For United, Sunday’s nightmare against Spurs was made worse by the injury to Kobbie Mainoo, who limped off shortly after Fernandes’ red card. It is unknown how long the England international will be out for, but this game will certainly come too early.
In his absence, expect Casemiro or Christian Eriksen to return to the United side. Fernandes will likely start too, considering he has to sit out the next three league games.
In defence, expect ten Hag to line up with what seems like his preferred back five, with Dalot and Mazraoui as full-backs.
In attack, it may be time to start Rasmus Hojlund as ten Hag fights to save his job, with Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho likely to start on the wings.
Porto’s early team news17:18 , Mike Jones
Porto have no new injury concerns after their straightforward 4-0 win over Arouca last weekend. However, attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira, on loan from Arsenal, is a major doubt after suffering a muscle injury in early September.
Summer signing Samu Omorodion will lead the line, with Galeno, Pepe and Vasco Sousa likely playing behind the striker.
Nico Gonzalez and Alan Varela will anchor the midfield, with Joao Mario, José Pedro, Nehuén Pérez and Francisco Moura the probable back four.
How to watch Porto vs Man Utd17:12 , Mike Jones
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports. Subscribers will also be able to watch via the Discovery+ app and website.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
When is Porto vs Manchester United?17:06 , Mike Jones
Porto vs Manchester United kicks off at 8pm BST tonight, Thursday 3 October, at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal.
(Action Images via Reuters)
Porto vs Man Utd17:00 , Mike Jones
Manchester United travel to Portugal to face Porto on Thursday evening in the second match of their 2024/25 Europa League campaign.
The Red Devils are under immense pressure after a humiliating 3-0 loss to Tottenham last week, with rumours circulating that Erik ten Hag has just two games to save his job – this fixture and the weekend’s match away to Aston Villa.
United began their Europa League campaign with a timid, worrying 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente, and they travel to northern Portugal to face a Porto side that sit second in the Primeira Liga, having won six of their seven league matches.
It’s set to be a tense affair at the Estádio do Dragão, and with an unsettled United likely without Kobbie Mainoo, who knows what may happen as these former Champions League winners meet in Europe’s second-string competition.
Good evening!09:03 , Mike Jones
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Europa League action as Manchester United face Porto in the league phase.
The Red Devils are in desperate need of a win after a series of draws and a humiliating defeat to Tottenham at the weekend in the Premier League.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in that match but will be available for this evening’s fixture as United look to secure their first European win of the season.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
