Porto vs Manchester United – UEFA Europa League – Preview, Team News and Updates

While the Champions League is UEFA’s main attraction, the Europa League has its fair share of elite teams and mouth-watering fixtures. Tonight’s match between Portuguese giants Porto and 2x UCL winners Manchester United certainly fits that bill.

It’s a clash of the titans in the Europa League as two clubs typically associated with Champions League glory go head-to-head after disappointing seasons. Manchester United, the 2016 Europa League winners, are set to travel to the Estadio do Dragão to take on Porto, who have lifted the Europa League trophy twice. This match is shaping up to be an electrifying encounter between two giants of European football, who are eager to reclaim their former glory. 

Porto comes into the game riding high after a commanding 4-0 victory over Arouca, while the Red Devils are looking to shake off the bitter taste of a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Will United find their footing and turn their fortunes around, or will Porto capitalize on their momentum and pile more misery on the United faithful? 

Porto vs Manchester United – Match Preview 

Following an underwhelming season – in which United finished the Premier League season in 8th spot – many United supporters felt that things couldn’t get any worse. However, the Red Devils’ start to the 2024/25 season has been abysmal. After six games, Manchester United currently occupy the 13th spot in Premier League standings, having won just two games. This is United’s joint worst start to a Premier League season. Pressure is starting to mount on Erik Ten Hag. And if performances don’t improve before October’s international break, the Dutch head coach might get the boot. 

So, this means Ten Hag has two games to rescue his floundering coaching job in Manchester. And the rescue act begins today. If Manchester United aims to snag a positive result against Porto, they will need to step up their game significantly from their dismal performance against Spurs last Sunday. The Red Devils were completely dismantled by Ange Postecoglou’s well-drilled side. Prior to their 3-0 humbling to Spurs, United were held by Twente in their Europa League opener. Therefore, a victory against Porto is crucial—not just for the team but especially for Erik Ten Hag. The pressure is on, and they will need to deliver. 

However, securing a win at Porto’s Estadio do Dragao is no mean feat. In fact, Porto have won all four of their home games this season. Moreover, the Portuguese giants are in much better shape and form than Manchester United. They have made a stellar start to the season, securing six wins in seven Liga Portugal matches. However, on the European stage, Porto were handed an embarrassing defeat by Bodo Glimt in their UEL opener.  They would like to return to winning ways. And if their last match is anything to go by, then Porto are in a very good place to secure a victory. They overcame Arouca thanks to goals from Samu Omorodion, Galeno, Nico Gonzalez and Deniz Gul. With zero points on the board, Porto will be motivated to open their account in the Europa League. But can they overcome Manchester United’s challenge? 

Porto vs Manchester United – Team News and Updates 

Porto will be missing a couple of key players, with Zaidu Sanusi and Ivan Marcano both sidelined due to ACL injuries. Additionally, Otavio has missed the last three matches with a muscle issue and remains a doubt for Thursday’s clash. On a brighter note, the Dragons welcomed back Arsenal loanee Fabio Vieira last weekend, and he made his return as a substitute for the final 20 minutes. He might just be ready to make his first start since rejoining the club this summer. Up front, Omorodion—who had been strongly linked with Chelsea before joining Porto—shone on his Europa League debut by scoring last time out and is expected to lead the attack again. He’ll likely be flanked by wingers Pepe and Galeno, adding plenty of firepower to Porto's offensive lineup. 

On the other side, Manchester United is dealing with their own injury woes, as Leny Yoro (foot), Luke Shaw (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Mason Mount (head/knock) are all out. However, there’s a silver lining for Ten Hag, with Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire both returning to training. Mainoo had to be substituted against Spurs with a muscle problem, while Maguire missed out altogether due to a knock. 

If Mainoo isn't fit to start, either former Porto star Casemiro or Christian Eriksen might partner with Ugarte in midfield. The good news for United fans is that captain Bruno Fernandes is available to continue in his playmaking role after having his Premier League dismissal from Sunday overturned. With United struggling to find their attacking rhythm, Joshua Zirkzee’s position is now under threat from Rasmus Hojlund, while Amad Diallo and Antony will be vying for starting spots against Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford on the flanks. 

Porto vs Manchester United – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 4th October 2024 (Friday) at Estadio do Dragao in Porto. The match will kick off at 12:30 AM (Indian Standard Time).