Harry Maguire saved a dramatic tie for 10-man Manchester United after they had bottled a two-goal lead – and had Bruno Fernandes sent off – at Porto in the Europa League.
Manchester United narrowly avoided their fourth defeat in 10 games, thanks to a last-minute header by Harry Maguire in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Porto at Estadio do Dragao.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with United squandering a 2-0 lead before Maguire’s crucial injury-time goal rescued a point for Erik ten Hag’s side.
United Take Early Control
The game started brightly for United, as Marcus Rashford gave them the lead in the seventh minute. Driving in from the left, Rashford skillfully beat two defenders before his low shot at the near post slipped past Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Rasmus Højlund, starting his first match of the season, doubled United’s advantage on 20 minutes, finishing off a well-executed counterattack to give United a 2-0 lead.
Porto’s Impressive Comeback
Despite the early dominance, Porto stormed back into the game. Just 14 minutes after United’s second goal, Brazil winger Pepe reacted quickly to nod home after a cross from Joao Mario nearly resulted in an own goal by United’s Noussair Mazraoui.
Samu Omorodion then headed in a powerful equalizer from another Joao Mario cross, leveling the score at 2-2 before halftime. Early in the second half, Omorodion completed the comeback with a near-post finish from a Pepe assist, giving Porto a 3-2 lead.
United Struggles and Fernandes’ Dismissal
As United searched for a way back, their efforts were hampered by the dismissal of captain Bruno Fernandes, who received his second yellow card for a high boot, leaving his team down to 10 men with nine minutes remaining.
Porto had chances to extend their lead, but United’s defense held firm, allowing them to keep pushing for an equalizer.
Maguire’s Late Heroics
In the dying moments of the match, Harry Maguire rose highest to meet Christian Eriksen’s corner, heading the ball superbly into the bottom corner to level the score at 3-3.
Despite rescuing a point, the result highlighted United’s continued struggles, having won only three of their first 10 games this season and failing to secure victory in their last four European away fixtures.
United’s defense remains a key concern for Ten Hag, who will hope this late equalizer can provide some much-needed momentum for his underperforming squad.