Manchester United squandered an early 2-0 lead but came back to salvage 3-3 draw with Porto on Thursday, but only after captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second straight game.
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Erik ten Hag’s side was lightning quick out of the starting blocks, as Marcus Rashford put them ahead in the 7th minute and Rasmus Hojlund scored his first goal of the season to make it 2-0 in the 20th. But the Red Devils didn’t waste much time conceding three goals for the second straight game as well. Pepe put home a free rebound after Andre Onana made a tough save in the 27th before Samu Omorodion, who was heavily linked with a transfer to Chelsea in the summer, pulled Porto level in the 34th.
Omorodion struck again shortly after halftime as he hammered a near-post cross past Onana for 3-2. In the midst of all those goals, Fernandes was booked for the first time in the 32nd minute, which turned rather consequential in the 81st minute, when he was shown yellow for the second time after he and Nehuen Perez both left the ground for a bouncing 50-50 ball. The contact made by Fernandes was minimal (if any), but Perez got the ball first and Fernandes was sent off for the second time this week.
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Alas, not all hope was lost for Man United, who must be credited for their late-game effort. Down a goal, down a man, away from home, difficult Premier League game coming up this weekend. Everything seemingly stacked against them, yet they created a few decent chances for themselves and got their reward a minute into stoppage time. Christian Eriksen put the ball on Harry Maguire’s forehead seven yards from goal, and that’s typically an effective equation for United to score goals.
Player ratings - Porto vs Manchester United
What’s next?
- Aston Villa vs Manchester United - Sunday (9 am ET) / Fenerbahce vs Manchester United (next UEL fixture) - Oct. 24
- Porto vs Braga - Sunday (3:30 pm ET) / Porto vs Hoffenheim - Oct. 24
Porto vs Manchester United updates - by Andy Edwards
Porto vs Manchester United live score: 3-3
Goalscorers: Marcus Rashford (7'), Rasmus Hojlund (20'), Pepe (27'), Samu Omorodion (34', 50'), Harry Maguire (90'+1)
GOAL! Porto 3-3 Manchester United: Harry Maguire heads home Christian Eriksen’s corner (90'+1)
HARRY MAGUIRE SAVES THE DAY FOR MANCHESTER UNITED 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/FinHlUM1LY
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 3, 2024
RED CARD! Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes sent off for second straight game (81')
Manchester United's night goes from bad to worse as captain Bruno Fernandes is shown red for the second consecutive match 😳 pic.twitter.com/KxSAkIz0GB
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 3, 2024
GOAL! Porto 3-2 Manchester United: Omorodion slams home to complete the comeback (50')
PORTO COMPLETE THE COMEBACK ✅ pic.twitter.com/subrg9lF79
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 3, 2024
GOAL! Porto 2-2 Manchester United: Samu Omorodion pulls Porto level from 2-0 down (34')
Manchester United squander a two goal lead to let Porto back in to the game 😳 pic.twitter.com/6DpNXkOLA7
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 3, 2024
GOAL! Porto 1-2 Manchester United: Andre Onana makes a big save, but Pepe heads home the rebound (27')
GOAL! Porto 0-2 Manchester United: Rasmus Hojlund gets the ball just over the line (20')
GOAL! Porto 0-1 Manchester United: Marcus Rashford puts the Red Devils ahead early (7')
Marcus Rashford reaps the reward for his bold run 🎯 pic.twitter.com/pbP5CwgRmG
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 3, 2024
Man United starting lineup
Onana - Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot - Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes - Amad, Rashford, Hojlund
Porto starting lineup
Costa - Mario, Pedro, Perez, Moura - Eustaquio, Varela, Gonzalez - Pepe, Galeno, Omorodion
How to watch FC Porto vs Manchester United live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 3pm ET Thursday (October 3)
Venue: Estadio do Dragao
How to watch: Stream on Paramount+ and TUDN USA
Porto team news, focus
Porto have Arsenal loanee Fabio Vieira back from injury and have no issues other than long-term absentee Ivan Marcano. Long-time assistant coach Vitor Bruno took the main job at Porto over the summer and they’ve started the season well, but defeats at Bodo/Glimt and Sporting Lisbon have shown they have work to do to get back to where they want to be. It has been a summer of transition for Porto with Pepe retiring and Evanilson and Mehdi Taremi sold. Omorodion, 20, is Porto’s next big hope and Argentine midfielder Alan Varela is a wonderful player in midfield who will break play up and dictate the tempo of this game.
Manchester United team news, focus
Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo have returned to the squad, while Mason Mount has joined Luke Shaw, Tyler Malacia and Leny Yoro on the injury list. Bruno Fernandes had his red card against Tottenham rescinded so will be hoping to put that mess behind him. Ten Hag will clearly rotate his squad for this game as he seeks to find some rhythm and attacking impetus. The likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Antony, Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen are all likely to start, while basically every starting position is up for grabs after recent performances and results.
Porto vs Manchester United prediction
This seems like Porto will feast on the lack of confidence and fluidity at United and it could get ugly for the Red Devils. Porto 3-1 Manchester United.