Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag criticized his players for “switching off” after they blew a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 against FC Porto, needing a late Harry Maguire equalizer to salvage a point.
Manchester United’s Europa League campaign hit another setback as they squandered a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with FC Porto at Estadio do Dragao. Despite a strong start that saw United lead 2-0 within the first 20 minutes, Erik ten Hag’s side faltered, allowing Porto to equalize before halftime and eventually take the lead shortly after the break.
United’s defensive weaknesses were exposed once again, with Ten Hag criticizing his players for “switching off” at key moments.
The team struggled to maintain possession and lacked cohesion in defense, conceding two goals in the first half and another early in the second. Adding to their woes, captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second consecutive match, leaving United with 10 men for much of the second half.
“It’s mixed feelings,” Ten Hag told a news conference.
“We scored two great goals and then we switched off. We don’t keep possession and defending, we’re switching off. We concede the first goal totally unnecessary and then you light up the fire in this stadium and it becomes very tough.
“We addressed it at half-time and then you concede a third one, so unnecessary. It’s no good defending again. That’s also to do with some willingness in some moments.
“But then I have to praise the guys, how they return in the game and how they fight and find a way to get an equaliser.”
Harry Maguire, introduced as a second-half substitute, salvaged a point for United with a stoppage-time header, preventing what would have been a damaging defeat. However, the result still leaves Ten Hag’s side with mixed emotions as they continue to struggle with consistency.
Ten Hag’s decision to substitute Marcus Rashford at halftime also raised eyebrows. Rashford had opened the scoring and looked lively throughout the first half, but was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho at the break.
The United manager later hinted that defensive lapses on Rashford’s side of the pitch played a role in the decision, though he also emphasized Garnacho’s recent form as a key factor.
“Garnacho was my best player on Sunday by far and also in many other games,” said Ten Hag when asked why Rashford was substituted.
“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 had to play him as well and we have two very good players over that side.
“I have to watch [the game] back and I think over the left side definitely we didn’t defend well tonight and Marcus also played a part in this. But, as I say, it had to do with Garnacho and nothing against Rashy.”
United will now turn their focus to the Premier League, where they face a crucial match against Aston Villa on Sunday.
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