Manchester United’s rollercoaster 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League was a match filled with highs and lows.
While some players shone brightly, others had a night to forget. As manchester United snatched a late draw thanks to Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time header, it became clear that United’s squad is still far from its best.
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Best Players in the Porto Draw
Marcus Rashford – 7/10
Marcus Rashford came out flying from the first whistle, proving once again why he’s a critical player for Manchester United.
In the fifth minute, he put United ahead with a stunning individual effort. Driving into the Porto box from the left wing, he beat his marker with skill before launching a low shot into the back of the net.
While Porto’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa could have done better, it was classic Rashford—aggressive, direct, and decisive.
Rashford didn’t stop there. He played a crucial role in setting up manchester United’s second goal. After controlling a pass from Christian Eriksen, he threaded a perfect ball into the space behind Porto’s defense, allowing Rasmus Hojlund to score.
His decision-making in the first half was sharp, and many fans were baffled when Rashford didn’t return for the second half, with manager Erik ten Hag later explaining it was a rotational decision for their upcoming match against Aston Villa.
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Rasmus Hojlund – 7/10
This match was a milestone for Rasmus Hojlund, who not only scored his first goal of the season but also made his first start after recovering from a summer injury. The Danish striker demonstrated his physicality, winning aerial battles and causing problems for Porto’s defense all night.
Hojlund’s goal was well-deserved, and it started from a long punt from goalkeeper Andre Onana. Hojlund won the header in midfield, setting up a slick move that ended with Rashford feeding him the ball inside the box.
The striker’s powerful shot found the net, although Diogo Costa once again could have done better. It was a great moment for Hojlund, whose strength and positioning were key to his performance.
Worst Players in the Porto Draw
Lisandro Martinez – 3/10
It was a disastrous night for Manchester United’s defense, with Lisandro Martinez struggling to cope with Porto’s relentless attack.
Martinez was slow to react when Porto scored their first goal. After Onana made a great save, Martinez failed to anticipate Pepe’s movement, allowing the veteran defender to head the ball into the net from close range.
Martinez was also left chasing shadows when Porto scored their third goal. The Argentine defender was outpaced by Porto’s Pepe, who delivered the ball to Samu Omorodion. Samu’s finish was clinical, but Martinez’s inability to stop the play was worrying.
United fans expect better from the man they nicknamed ‘The Butcher’ after his stellar debut season. This performance, however, was far from his best.
Matthijs de Ligt – 3/10
Matthijs de Ligt also had a nightmare of a game, being consistently outmuscled and outmaneuvered by Porto’s attackers.
His inability to deal with Samu Omorodion was glaring, especially when Porto equalized to make it 2-2. De Ligt was beaten by Samu’s movement in the six-yard box, allowing the Porto striker to head the ball past Onana with ease.
Things didn’t improve for De Ligt as the game went on. For Porto’s third goal, Samu once again got the better of the Dutch defender, timing his run perfectly to receive a cutback from Pepe and finishing with precision.
De Ligt’s positioning was poor, and it became clear why manager Erik ten Hag decided to replace him and Martinez in the final minutes of the game. Manchester United’s defensive frailties were on full display, and the center-back duo will need to step up in future matches.
Defensive Concerns Continue for United
For Erik ten Hag, this draw against Porto exposed familiar weaknesses in Manchester United’s defense.
Since Ten Hag took charge in 2022, manchester United have struggled to keep clean sheets, often conceding avoidable goals.
This match was no different, as United threw away a two-goal lead, allowing Porto back into the game.
With crucial games coming up, including a tough fixture against Aston Villa, United will need to tighten their defense if they want to avoid more frustrating results.
The question now is whether Ten Hag will continue to trust his current center-backs or make tactical changes to shore up the backline.
