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It was another shambolic performance away from home by Manchester United, this time against Porto in the Europa League, but a last-gasp goal from substitute Harry Maguire ensured the team returned from Portugal with a point.
It started really brightly for the away team as Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund ensured a two-goal lead within 20 minutes to quieten the Estádio do Dragão crowd.
But as has been the case far too often under Erik ten Hag, the team decided to sit back and were punished with Pepe and Samu Omorodion scoring within seven minutes to cancel out the Red Devils’ lead.
And in the second half, the Porto No 9 scored his brace and his team’s third of the night, as he completely dominated Matthijs de Ligt for the whole game.
Familiar failings
Bruno Fernandes’ second consecutive red card meant the 20-time English league champions were down to 10 men and staring at yet another defeat but for the former captain to come to his team’s rescue.
Injury worries continue to rise as the dangerous Mancunian was taken off at half-time while the Portuguese’s red card means more selection headaches for the manager.
Despite the point, familiar failings remain with the midfield far too susceptible to the counter while the defence has not improved one bit despite significant backing.
Lisandro Martinez’s poor form is a huge concern for the manager and his partnership with the Netherlands international is not working at all.
They conceded three goals in back-to-back games now and the former Ajax star has struggled to come to grips with what is needed at his new club.
De Ligt struggling
Ten Hag decided to opt for his former protege but Thursday’s display was just a reminder as to why Juventus and Bayern Munich were happy to sell him after only a few seasons.
De Ligt seems unable to cope with physicality, a real issue for any centre-back looking to excel in England, while his positioning is often suspect as he abandons his post to try and be ultra-aggressive when it is simply not needed.
Ten Hag’s position is slowly becoming untenable and his talent identification has also let the club down. It is high time that Maguire comes back into the starting lineup in place of the Dutch star.
Judging from the recent displays, Sunday’s game against Aston Villa could be another major embarrassment and not even the most optimistic fan will have positive thoughts heading into that game.
Feature image Octavio Passos via Getty Images
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2024-10-03 21:40:58
