Manchester United and Erik ten Hag received more questions than answers as another European collapse condemned them to a 3-3 draw at FC Porto.
The game started in a breathless, end-to-end fashion, as Porto tried to take charge of proceedings, pressing highly and aggressively.
However, a Diogo Costa mistake from Marcus Rashford’s shot took the sting out of the early rage as they trailed 1-0.
Costa was culpable again as Rasmus Hojlund got to the end of Rashford’s pass to score past Costa’s near post and United were in dreamland, for only a few minutes though.
In a complete deja vu of this side under Ten Hag in Europe, United conceded twice in seven minutes to go into the half level as the defence collapsed, again.
The comeback was complete in the second half with Porto’s third and United never really looked like coming back into it afterward in a damning indictment on the player and Ten Hag.
Maguire changed that deep in injury time after he headed in from a corner to draw United level in a performance that still leaves more questions than answers for the team.
Here’s how the players rated:
Andre Onana – 6
Made a great save to prevent Mazraoui’s own goal but it fell straight to Pepe who scored Porto’s opener. Onana has been one positive constant in a wretched season so far.
Noussair Mazraoui – 3
Finally had a certified bad game in a United shirt after being basically faultless since his debut. Almost scored an own goal as he headed at Onana and played Porto onside for their third.
Matthijs de Ligt – 3
The other half of the ex-Bayern pair didn’t have a great time either. Slow to react to both conceded goals and the attacker got ahead of him for their third. Looked in panic the whole game.
Lisandro Martinez – 4
No glaring errors like his fellow defenders but a shell of his world-class self. Perhaps could have been in a better position for Porto’s opener and his one shot in the second half will make the blooper reel if Ten Hag leaves.
Diogo Dalot – 4
Back to where it all began but he didn’t look like he was playing at his former home. Porto squeezed his side of the pitch and the inverted fullback moments were controlled expertly by their press.
Casemiro – 3
Ill-advised shots, needless sliding tackles, and getting overrun in midfield, that’s the Casemiro experience these days. The last of those three is not down to him, but the first two certainly are and it was on display again.
Christian Eriksen – 6
Got an assist for Rashford’s goal which was United’s opener. Better from set pieces this time around after his horror show vs Tottenham which netted him his second assist for Maguire’s goal this time.
Amad – 6
Generally peripheral to proceedings as United funneled their attacks to the left wing due to Rashford’s brilliant form but managed to look threatening in limited involvement.
Bruno Fernandes – 3
Was probably having weekend flashbacks when the referee had his hand in his pocket to book him for a high foot challenge in the first half. Made it happen when he repeated that challenge in the second half to get his second yellow to get sent off.
Marcus Rashford – 9
United’s best player by a mile and their main source of threatening moments but he had come to come off at half time due to “rotation”. Looked full of confidence as he ran at defenders, tested the goalkeeper, and played with the weight of the world off his shoulders. A goal and an assist deserved reward for him.
Rasmus Hojlund – 7
Scored on his first start and the encouraging signs of the rustiness coming off are clear to see. Had a breathtaking moment in the first half where he shrugged off the defender and ran at Porto like a freight train. Need more of that. Just loves European nights.
Substitutes
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Was his usual enterprising self after coming on unexpectedly at half-time for “rotation” reasons. Tested Costa with United’s best shot in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 4
Can probably be a great player in a functional team but he’s also someone who looks MIA in a dysfunctional team which is exactly what this United team is right now.
Antony – 4
Antony coming on to make a difference when United are trailing and failing to do anything sums up the club’s current troubles.
Harry Maguire – 7
Defended aggressively after coming on and scored in injury time to draw United level. Will probably be asking him soon if he warrants a start now if only to prove he can challenge De Ligt.
Jonny Evans – 6
Came on late to shore up the defence after Fernandes’ red card. The need of the hour was a goal at that point so not much impact.
Manager
Erik ten Hag – 1
How long before it’s no longer “individual mistakes” but simply players being overstretched? Set up United to defend in a narrow, mid-block as Porto’s wingers stretched the defence, Samu Omorodion bullied the centre-backs as he enjoyed one-on-one duels, then looked bereft of ideas when it was exposed. On borrowed time after another embarrassing set of decisions.
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