Manchester United salvaged a dramatic 3-3 draw against Porto in a pulsating Europa League encounter at Estadio do Dragao, with Harry Maguire’s injury-time header rescuing a point for the 10-man visitors.
Erik ten Hag’s side got off to a flying start, with Marcus Rashford opening the scoring in the seventh minute. The English forward cleverly beat two defenders before his shot squeezed past Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Rasmus Hojlund, making his first start of the campaign, doubled United’s lead on 20 minutes, finishing off a swift attack to put the visitors in control.
However, Porto mounted a fierce comeback. Brazil winger Pepe reduced the deficit, reacting quickest to nod home after Joao Mario’s cross was nearly headed into his own net by Noussair Mazraoui. The hosts then equalized through Samu Omorodion’s powerful header from Joao Mario’s cross, just 14 minutes after United had established their two-goal lead.
Five minutes after the break, Omorodion completed Porto’s turnaround with a thumping near-post finish from Pepe’s cutback, exposing United’s defensive frailties once again.
United’s predicament worsened when captain Bruno Fernandes received his second yellow card for a high boot with nine minutes remaining, leaving his team to chase the game with 10 men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, United’s persistence paid off in added time. Substitute Maguire rose highest to meet Christian Eriksen’s corner, heading superbly into the bottom corner to secure a vital point.
The result leaves United with a mixed start to their season, having won only three of their first 10 matches. It also marks their fourth consecutive European away game where they’ve scored three goals but failed to win.
United now turn their attention to a crucial Premier League fixture against Aston Villa on Sunday, as questions about their consistency and Ten Hag’s future continue to linger.
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