A last-gasp header from Harry Maguire ensured that 10-man Manchester United escaped from Estadio do Dragao with a dramatic draw against Porto, after surrendering a two-goal lead in a chaotic Europa League encounter.
Under mounting pressure, manager Erik ten Hag watched as his side poised on the brink of an embarrassing fourth loss in just ten games this season. However, Maguire’s injury-time intervention, rising majestically to nod home Christian Eriksen’s corner, breathed life into a struggling United side.
The match got off to a bright start for United when Marcus Rashford opened the scoring just seven minutes in. The England international surged in from the left, evading two defenders, before his timid shot found its way past Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa. The early lead was doubled in the 20th minute when Rasmus Hojlund, making his first start of the season, finished off a slick United move with precision.
However, Porto refused to lie down and roared back into contention. Just 14 minutes after United’s second goal, the home side got their first breakthrough. Noussair Mazraoui nearly headed Joao Mario’s cross into his own net, but Brazilian winger Pepe reacted quickest, nodding in the rebound and igniting the Porto faithful.
The situation swiftly worsened for United as Samu Omorodion powered a header past the helpless shot-stopper following another well-delivered cross from Mario, leveling the match in the 34th minute. Moments later, just five minutes into the second half, Pepe once again played a pivotal role, providing a cutback that Omorodion thundered in to complete Porto’s stunning turnaround.
With the pressure mounting, Ten Hag’s men pushed desperately for an equalizer, but their task was made all the more difficult when captain Bruno Fernandes received a second yellow card for a high boot, marking his second red card in as many games.
With nine minutes remaining, United found themselves with a challenging task, reduced to ten men and chasing the game. Porto, sensing blood, could have capitalized further but squandered their chances to extend their lead.
Just when it seemed all hope was lost, Maguire emerged as the unlikely hero. In the first minute of five added, he met Eriksen’s corner with power and precision, ensuring United left with a valuable point despite their troubled start to the season.
While salvaging a draw offers a glimmer of hope, United’s current form remains concerning as they have now won just three out of their opening ten matches. The last-minute goal does little to mask the growing issues within the squad, as they approach a crucial period needing to rediscover their footing and turn their season around.