Manchester United Seek Redemption Against Porto in Europa League Showdown
Manchester United will aim to bounce back from a humbling Premier League defeat when they travel to the Estadio do Dragao to face Porto on Thursday night for their second Europa League fixture of the season. The Red Devils were convincingly beaten 3-0 at home by Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, while Porto head into the game full of confidence after a dominant 4-0 victory over Arouca in the Primeira Liga.
Match Preview
Manchester United have endured a challenging start to their Premier League campaign, suffering three defeats in their first six games, with their latest setback coming in a 3-0 loss against Spurs. Despite Bruno Fernandes' controversial dismissal, United’s issues ran deeper, as they were outplayed in key areas of the field. Erik ten Hag, now under increasing pressure, will be desperate for a response in Europe to avoid further scrutiny. A positive result in Porto could grant the Dutch manager some breathing room ahead of a tough domestic and European schedule.
United's opening Europa League match against FC Twente ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, adding to the mounting concerns surrounding the team's form. However, they remain unbeaten in their last 12 European games against Portuguese opponents and will hope to maintain that record against Porto. The last time these teams met in 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a memorable long-range strike to secure a Champions League win for United.
Meanwhile, Porto has made a flying start to their domestic campaign, winning six of their opening seven Primeira Liga games, including a 4-0 triumph over Arouca last weekend. Head coach Vitor Bruno has guided the team to second place in the league table and will now look to extend their form into Europe after a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Bodo/Glimt in their opening group stage match.
Porto's track record against Manchester United is mixed, having beaten the Red Devils only twice in eight meetings, but their most famous victory came in 2004 when they knocked United out of the Champions League en route to winning the tournament under Jose Mourinho.
Team News
Porto will be without long-term absentees Zaidu Sanusi and Ivan Marcano due to ACL injuries, while Otavio remains doubtful with a muscle issue. However, Fabio Vieira is expected to feature after making his return from injury last weekend.
For Manchester United, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Mason Mount are unavailable due to injuries, but Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire have returned to training and could be involved. Rasmus Hojlund may replace Joshua Zirkzee up front, while Bruno Fernandes is set to start despite his recent Premier League red card being rescinded.
Possible Lineups
Porto: Costa; Mario, Pedro, Perez, Moura; Gonzalez, Varela; Pepe, Sousa, Galeno; Omorodion
Man United: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Eriksen, Ugarte; Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
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