Maguire late goal helps 10-man Manchester United draw against Porto

Harry Maguire salvaged a dramatic draw for 10-man Manchester United after they squandered a two-goal lead and saw Bruno Fernandes sent off in a chaotic Europa League clash against Porto.

Maguire’s injury-time header could prove vital for under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag, as United were just moments away from suffering their fourth defeat in 10 games this season.

The substitute rose to meet Christian Eriksen’s corner, directing the ball powerfully into the bottom corner during the first of five added minutes, capping off a thrilling contest at Estadio do Dragao.

The match started well for United, with Marcus Rashford opening the scoring in the seventh minute, weaving past two defenders before his low shot slipped past Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Rasmus Hojlund, in his first start of the season, doubled the lead in the 20th minute, finishing off a swift United counterattack.

However, Porto quickly responded. A Joao Mario cross nearly resulted in an own goal by Noussair Mazraoui, but Brazilian winger Pepe capitalized on the rebound to pull one back.

Just 14 minutes after United had gone 2-0 up, Porto leveled the score when Samu Omorodion headed in Joao Mario’s cross.

Omorodion then completed the comeback shortly after halftime, finishing at the near post following a Pepe cutback that sliced through United’s defense.

United pressed for an equalizer but were dealt a further blow when captain Bruno Fernandes received his second yellow card for a high boot with nine minutes remaining, marking his second red card in successive games.

Unlike his dismissal in the 3-0 home loss to Tottenham, which was overturned, there was little doubt about this one.

Despite Porto’s chances to extend their lead, they failed to capitalize, and United punished them with Maguire’s late header.

While the draw offered some relief, United’s struggles continue as they’ve won just three of their first 10 matches this season, and for the fourth consecutive European away game, they failed to secure a win despite scoring three goals.

After being reduced to 10 men and surrendering a two-goal lead, it’s understandable that United would be relieved to leave Porto with a point.

Despite an early surge from the home team, United displayed the control and composure that has often been missing this season, allowing them to take a commanding lead in the match.

Porto’s defense appeared rattled whenever Rashford had the ball, and it was no surprise that he played a key role in both first-half goals—scoring the first and setting up Højlund for the second.

However, the encouraging first 20 minutes quickly gave way to a concerning half-hour on either side of halftime for Ten Hag’s men.

With the home crowd in full support, Porto was always expected to respond, but United seemed unprepared for the challenge.

Diogo Dalot was easily outmuscled for Porto’s first goal, and Lisandro Martinez was caught flat-footed as Pepe capitalized to score.

Porto’s second goal came after a prolonged spell of possession in United’s penalty area, with João Mário’s cross finding Samu, who outmaneuvered Matthijs de Ligt to score from close range.

United regained some control before halftime, with Rashford once again proving a threat. However, his substitution at the break allowed Porto to seize the initiative.

United failed to heed an early warning when left-back Francisco Moura found space just two minutes into the second half. Moments later, Pepe broke through an unaware United defense and set up Samu for his second goal.

With Porto now in the lead, they sat back, allowing United to create chances. However, the visitors remained fragile at the back, with goalkeeper André Onana making key saves to deny Samu a hat-trick and later thwarting Deniz Gul after Fernandes’ dismissal.

Onana’s heroics kept United in the game, and their determination to fight until the final whistle will likely please Ten Hag, sparing him from tough questions about his future.

Nevertheless, United’s collapse from 2-0 up was evident, and with a crucial match against Aston Villa on Sunday, it remains to be seen whether these issues can be resolved—and how long Ten Hag will remain in charge.

Player of the Match: Samu Omorodion.