Harry Maguire scored in stoppage time to help Manchester United to a dramatic 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League. The England midfielder's goal also helped coach Erik ten Hag partly avoid the risk of being fired.
Despite leading 2-0 after just 20 minutes through goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund, Man United lost their advantage after the first half ended, with Pepe and Samu Omorodion getting the goals to level the game.
When Omorodion put Porto ahead early in the second half, it looked as though United and Ten Hag were heading for another humiliating defeat. And of course, the Dutchman would be on the brink of losing his job.
However, substitute Harry Maguire saved the game for United and possibly Ten Hag's job, and it came shortly after Maguire was left out of the England squad for the October training camp.
The Red Devils have developed a terrible habit of conceding goals, especially in Europe. Last season, they conceded two goals in four minutes at Bayern Munich, two in 10 minutes at home to Galatasaray, two in four minutes away to Copenhagen and two in nine minutes to Galatasaray.
Against Porto, Ten Hag’s side conceded two goals in just seven minutes. Back-to-backs have become a habit for United under Ten Hag, suggesting a mental problem among the players, as well as a structural instability.
"Mixed emotions. We scored two beautiful goals and then we went out. That made us lose control of the ball and our defense. But then I have to praise the players. They came back, tried to fight and equalized," Ten Hag said after the match.
Both of Porto’s goals in the first half came from passes into the box by Man United, when the visitors had dropped too deep. Instead of taking control of the game with a two-goal advantage, Man United allowed Porto to attack relentlessly.
Man United seemed helpless against Porto's crosses in this match. The home team has Omorodion, a player who is very good in aerial battles.
However, the "Red Devils" should put pressure and not allow Pepe or Galeno to continuously cross the ball comfortably. This is an aspect that shows that Ten Hag is not at his best preparation.
The Dutch strategist advised the public to judge M.U only at the end of the season instead of now. He affirmed that Man United is still in the process of development and requires patience.
"Don't judge us now, let's see what happens at the end of the season. Man United are still in the process of building the team and we will improve," Ten Hag added.
