UEL: Maguire to the rescue for Man United

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Porto 3 - 3 Manchester United

Harry Maguire salvaged a dramatic draw for a 10-man Manchester United side, who had thrown away a two-goal lead and seen Bruno Fernandes sent off in their Europa League clash against Porto.

Maguire to the rescue - 1

Maguire's injury-time header could be a lifeline for under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag, with the team just seconds from suffering their fourth defeat in ten games at the start of the season.

In the first of five added minutes, Maguire leapt to meet Christian Eriksen's corner and expertly nodded the ball into the bottom corner, securing a crucial point.

A closer look at what happened

Marcus Rashford put United ahead in the seventh minute, cutting in from the left and skillfully beating two defenders before his low shot slipped past Porto’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa at the near post.

Rasmus Hojlund, making his first start of the season, added a second after 20 minutes, finishing off a swift United counter-attack to give them firm control.

Porto weren’t done yet. A dangerous cross from Joao Mario almost resulted in an own goal by Noussair Mazraoui, but Brazilian winger Pepe was quickest to react, heading in the rebound.

Just 14 minutes after United’s two-goal cushion, the hosts drew level when Samu Omorodion powered in a header from another Joao Mario cross.

The Spanish striker then completed the comeback five minutes into the second half, smashing in a near-post finish from Pepe’s cutback after United’s defence was once again exposed.

However, there was more drama to come. To the shock of everyone, the United boss used two subs to change the centre backs. Quite amazingly, it was one of those in Harry Maguire, that rescued United and helped them what could be a valuable point.

View from the home end: Porto 3 - 3 MUFC

Best reaction

Liam C from Super Reds News posted on his Facebook: "There was so much going on. There were so many holes defensively. We didn't stop any crosses, and then to go 3-2 down after being 2-0 up was ridiculous. The middle part of the game was crazy. That's what it's been like for a couple of years.

"However, despite all of that, fair play to those 10 players for coming back. Harry Maguire often gets a lot of criticism but he rescued them tonight from what would have been another terrible defeat. Harry deserves his moment."

Visit UEFA Europa League and Conference League: 24/25 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) for more reaction.

Location: Porto, Portugal

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