Erik ten Hag criticizes defensive mistakes as Manchester United squander early lead in Porto

Under-fire Erik ten Hag was frustrated by some risible Manchester United defending in a chaotic Europa League clash that looked set to end in a humiliating loss in Porto until Harry Maguire’s late leveller.

Sunday’s shambolic 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham increased the focus on the Dutch manager, whose side flew out of the blocks in Portugal as Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund struck.

But United’s soft underbelly was exposed as Pepe and Samu Omorodion then scored in quick succession, with the latter – a summer target of Chelsea – then slamming Porto ahead early in the second half.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a second straight game as United sought a leveller, which substitute Maguire provided with a header at the death to salvage a 3-3 draw.

“I think it’s mixed feelings,” said the United boss, who remains under pressure heading into Sunday’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa.

“When you are winning a game… we all know this is a very tough place to go and then you start so well, the players executed the plan, I would say, brilliantly.

“We scored two great goals and then we switch it off and we don’t keep so much possession as before. Defending we’re switching off.

“We concede the first goal totally unnecessarily and then you know when you light up the fire in this stadium, in this ambience, then it’s becomes really tough.

“We addressed it in a half-time and then you concede the third one, so unnecessary. It’s not good defending again. It’s also to do with some willingness in such moments.

“But then I have to praise the guys for how they return in the game, how they fight, how we find a way to get the equaliser.

“It’s not only about in stopping time with a set play, but we also had beforehand some good chances.”

United have now conceded three or more times in a match on 24 occasions in all competitions since Ten Hag took over – more than any Premier League side has in that period.

This was the third time they have conceded three in a game this season alone and Ten Hag stressed his annoyance was with “defending” rather than his defence.

The United boss indicated the overall performance without the ball was partly behind his decision to withdraw Rashford at half-time.

Ten Hag told broadcasters he took the forward off due to rotation considerations with Villa looming large, but it was still a surprising time to remove his best player.

“Yeah, but (replacement Alejandro) Garnacho was my best player on Sunday by far and also in many other games,” he said.

“I think in the season, as I assess it so far, he is bringing us so far the offensive threat by creating chances, assists, also scoring.

“Garnacho we also have to play as well and we have two very good players over that side.”

Asked if the decision had anything to do with Rashford’s role in Porto’s first goal, Ten Hag said: “As I say, I have to watch it back and I think over the left side definitely we didn’t defend well tonight.

“Marcus also played a part in this but, as I say, it had to do with Garnacho and nothing against Rashy.”

Conclusion:

It was a rollercoaster of a match for Manchester United in their Europa League clash against Porto. Erik ten Hag expressed his frustrations with the team’s defending, but was relieved by Harry Maguire’s late equalizer. The chaotic game saw United take an early lead, only to concede goals in quick succession and face the possibility of a humiliating defeat. Despite the challenges, the team showed resilience and fought back to secure a 3-3 draw.

Ten Hag’s decision to substitute Marcus Rashford raised eyebrows, but he defended the move by highlighting the contributions of other players. The manager emphasized the need for improved defending and acknowledged the team’s struggles in that aspect. As United prepare for their upcoming Premier League fixture, all eyes will be on how they bounce back from this turbulent performance.