MUTV pundit calls out two Man Utd players who ‘have to do better’ to stop clear weakness Porto exposed

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Manchester United have plenty to work on after a three goal draw with Porto in the Europa League.

Erik ten Hag’s side went 2-0 up, then ended up going 3-2 down, before a late equaliser from Harry Haguire made it 3-3.

Unfortunately the team’s positive attacking play was offset by shaky defensive work, particularly in a spell towards the end of the first half.

Porto made it part of their gameplan to cross the ball into the box and test United’s centre-backs through physical centre-forward Samu Omorodion.

Manchester United should have cut out the crosses

Porto’s plan was difficult to stop, with Omorodion scoring with one terrific header when he outfought Matthijs de Ligt to head in the second goal.

These passages of play were discussed on MUTV, with the conclusion being Manchester United’s full-backs should have done more to stop the crosses in the first place.

Former full-back Phil Bardsley called on Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui to be more proactive.

He explained: “They obviously see a little bit of a weakness from crosses on our behalf. And obviously, first and foremost, it comes from the full back to getting out and engaging and trying to stop the cross. I think too many times he’s [Dalot] been set back and balls have come into the box. 

“He’s strong enough the big boy up top, he’s strong, gets half a yard, and once he gets in front of you, it’s really, really tough to stop and when they get a bit of momentum.

“First of all, for me, the most important thing is try and get up to the ball and be aggressive when you defend it and stop the crosses coming into the box. Both Mazraoui and Dalot have to do better in those areas.”

Manchester United needed to play safer

Manchester United have developed a worrying trend of giving away leads in Europe, and that falls on the manager.

At 2-0 up, United became too open, and should have taken a more concentrated defensive approach.

Diogo Dalot was criticised after the defeat to Tottenham, somewhat fairly considering the way he played.

He has been pushing into midfield as per Erik ten Hag’s attacking instructions, but this has also played havoc with his defensive positioning, and opponents are taking advantage of this.

Three goals conceded away in Europe is too much, and United should be coming away with all three points.