Europa League Preview: Porto Maintain Perfect Home Record, Manchester United Have No Room for Error

On October 4 at 3:00, the second round of the group stage of the 2024/25 Europa League will see Porto host Manchester United.

Porto currently sit second in the Portuguese league table with 18 points from six wins and one loss in seven matches, three points behind leaders Sporting CP. Their only defeat in the league was against Sporting CP. Apart from Sporting CP, Porto maintain a significant lead over the rest of the league, with their six victories demonstrating considerable dominance, boasting a goal difference of 16:1.

Porto’s new manager Vítor Bruno took over from Conceição this summer, but their attitude towards the Europa League seems unclear. Despite playing most of the second half with an extra man, Porto lost 2-3 to Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt in their first Europa League match of the season. In fact, Porto have only won one out of their last seven Europa League matches.

The visiting team, Manchester United, are experiencing one of their worst starts in Premier League history, securing just seven points in the first six rounds, including a three-goal defeat to Tottenham last weekend. Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville described it as “disgusting” and “one of the worst performances under Ten Hag.”

Bruno Fernandes’ red card became Ten Hag’s excuse and shield, as Spurs had already torn apart United’s defense before they were reduced to ten men. Ten Hag’s future at Manchester United is becoming increasingly bleak, having overseen ten losses by at least three goals, two of which occurred this season. He has no excuses, having spent over £600 million on transfers since taking charge, with twelve of the sixteen players used against Spurs either signed or promoted by him from the youth ranks.

British media generally believe that the Europa League match against Porto and the league fixture against Villa are Ten Hag’s last chances to save his job. If there is no significant improvement, the INEOS Group will not hesitate to act. However, given Manchester United’s recent run of three consecutive winless games across all competitions, the situation looks grim.

In terms of personnel, Porto will be without the seriously injured SáNúSi and Makanho due to anterior cruciate ligament injuries, while Otávio has missed three games due to muscle problems and remains doubtful. However, Fábio Vieira, on loan from Arsenal, is ready to play and could make his first start for Porto in this match.

Manchester United’s situation is worrying, with Varane and Luke Shaw still needing time to recover. Menno was substituted off during the game against Spurs due to a hamstring injury but participated in the latest training session and made the 23-man squad for this match. Additionally, Mount suffered a head injury in the previous game, and Malacia is also carrying an injury. Maguire has recently returned and is also included in the squad.

Porto have faced Manchester United eight times in European competition, winning only twice – a 4-0 home victory in the 1977 European Cup Winners’ Cup and a 2-1 home win in the 2004 Champions League quarter-final first leg. Manchester United beat Porto 1-0 in their last visit to the Estádio do Dragão, with Ronaldo scoring the goal. Perhaps Manchester United can take some comfort as they board the flight to Portugal, having remained unbeaten in their last twelve European encounters against Portuguese clubs.

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