FC Porto vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

The Football Faithful

Thu, Oct 3, 2024, 7:38 a.m.·3 min read

FC Porto vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

Manchester United visit FC Porto in the Europa League tonight, in what promises to be an entertaining clash in Portugal.

With Erik ten Hag’s job security in the balance, the result of this game could either be the catalyst for positive change or push the Dutchman closer towards the exit door.

There’s even more pressure on the outcome of this match because both sides dropped points in their Europa League openers last week.

Ready for battle in Porto ⚔️#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/GrymnN2aSo
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 3, 2024

Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire have trained for Manchester United ahead of the clash and could be involved, though Mason Mount is a doubt. Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw remain sidelined.

FC Porto vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

Form

Porto: LWWLW

Vitor Bruno’s team find themselves in second place in the Primeira Liga, with Sporting Lisbon residing in top spot after collecting maximum points from seven games.

Porto’s only domestic defeat came against Sporting in late August, with the impressive Victor Gyokores and Geny Catamo scoring for the defending champions.

The Portuguese outfit surprisingly lost their opening game in Europe this season, with Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt edging them out 3-2 a week ago.

This fixture is an opportunity for redemption for both teams, adding an extra touch of importance.

Manchester United: WWDDL

Manchester United’s recent form has raised concern with Ten Hag under-fire following a downturn in performances.

The goals have dried up for a side that look bereft of confidence and their 3-0 home defeat to Spurs was a damning indictment of the direction they are going in.

Their Europa League campaign also began underwhelmingly, with a 1-1 draw at home to Erik ten Hag’s former club, FC Twente.

After a 7-0 demolition of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup that increased optimism a fortnight ago, United have scored only one goal in the last three games.

Last Meeting: FC Porto 0-1 Manchester United, UEFA Champions League, 15th April 2009

It’s been 15 years since the last meeting between the teams, in a contest that saw a timeless Manchester United goal.

Returning to Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo thundered in the only goal of the game with an unstoppable effort from distance that soared into the top corner.

Not only was the shot decisive in seeing United progress into the semi-finals of the Champions League, but also earned Ronaldo the inaugural Puskas Award.

Ronaldo against Porto = 🚀🤯#UCLdraw | @juventusfcen pic.twitter.com/HJ4PysyDuK
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 14, 2020

United were drawn against English opposition in the semi-finals but the ruthless partnership of Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo saw off the threat of Arsenal.

The Red Devils lost in the final in Rome, as Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona beat them 2-0 to prevent Sir Alex Ferguson and his players from lifting the Champions League in consecutive years.

Predicted Lineups

Porto: Costa; Mario, Perez, Djalo, Moura; Varela, Vieira, Pepe, Gonzalez, Galeno; Omorodion.

Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Eriksen, Ugarte; Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.

Who is the referee?

German referee Tobias Stieler is the match official. He will be assisted by Christian Gittelmann and Mark Borsch. The VAR is Bastian Dankert and he will be assisted by Fedayi San.