Let’s get the negatives out the way first shall we. There will be endless space to devote to the shortcomings of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United.
There were questionable substitutions, a lack of control, a lack of tactical discipline, and now a woeful record of just one victory in 10 European matches. And for good measure, this one featured another 2-0 lead being given up.
United were all over the place defensively in the 3-3 draw, despite this being a back four which have started every game since the last international break barring the Carabao Cup match. In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo’s composure was sorely lacking too.
Right, now we have got that justified moaning out of the way, let’s try and be positive for a moment shall we…
Rasms Hojlund involved as Manchester United score three
It was nice to see Manchester United score some goals, wasn’t it? Manchester United had failed to score in the past two Premier League matches.
United netted three times against Porto from three different scorers, and normally away from home, you would back this to be enough to secure a win.
Perhaps the most significant boost was Rasmus Hojlund getting on the scoresheet to net his first goal of the 2024/25 season.
Hojlund showed last season that he is a confidence player and this gives him a vital boost, before facing an Aston Villa side which he broke his Premier League scoring-duck against a year ago.
The Dane looked sharp, there was one bursting run from the halfway line in the first half, and if United can supply him with chances, he can take advantage. He is in the mix to start this weekend.
Fighting spirit on display, defined by Maguire
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United might not be very good, but the players have not given up on their beleaguered manager.
One player who absolutely defined this was centre-back Harry Maguire, who came off the bench to pop up with an injury-time equaliser.
Last week’s draw felt disappointing, and it was. This one, United can come out with a positive after fighting back from defeat to salvage a point.
If you are looking for a crumb of comfort, avoiding defeat can give the team a little belief heading into the game away at Aston Villa the weekend.
Andre Onana form deserves credit
Andre Onana has been Manchester United’s most consistent player this season. And it’s usually not a great sign when the goalkeeper is the star.
Nonetheless, Onana kept Manchester United at key moments, preventing Porto from taking a 4-2 lead.
Onana made five saves in total and can hold his head high despite conceding three goals. He can expect another busy day away at Villa this coming weekend.
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