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      Man Utd ratings: Rashford shines before shock substitution as Casemiro produces yet another horror show in Porto draw

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      MANCHESTER UNITED spurned a two-goal lead as they drew 3-3 with Porto in the Europa League.Marcus Rashford broke the deadlock in the Europa League clash, cutting inside and firing his effort under the dive of Diogo Costa who should have kept it out.Rasmus Hojlund scored Manchester United’s second goal as they bagged an early braceCredit: GettyPorto then roared back and Samu Omorodorin completed the turnaround with his second of the gameCredit: GettyRasmus Hojlund made it two midway through the first half as Costa again failed to show a strong enough arm and let the ball squirm beyond him.But Porto then got back into the game as Pepe tucked home a rebound from close range to reduce the deficit.And before half-time the hosts were level through an excellent header from Samu Omorodion, before the Porto No9 bagged five minutes into the second half for his second of the game.But substitute Harry Maguire had the final say as his header from a corner salvaged a point for Erik ten Hag’s side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHere is how SunSport’s Dylan Terry saw the performances of the Man Utd players.Andre Onana – 6/10Reacted brilliantly the first time he was called into action with a flying save, only for Porto to score the rebound.Porto then scored with their next shot on target too – Omorodion’s header – and Onana could do little about the excellent finish for Porto’s third.Made two great stops to keep Man Utd in the game.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNoussair Mazraoui – 4Looked fairly stable in the first 45 minutes but waned as the game went on. All at sea at the start of the second half as Porto cut through the right-hand side of Man Utd’s defence with ease.Peter Schmeichel reveals hotel corridor fight with Roy Keane and moment Man Utd legend was busted by journalist Matthijs de Ligt – 4Looked imposing in the air as he dealt with Porto’s crosses from both sides, but then failed to get in front of Omorodion for the hosts’ second goal.Like most of the Man Utd side, his performance dropped as the game went on and he was bullied by Porto’s No9.Taken off with 10 minutes remaining.Lisandro Martinez – 4Should have reacted quicker for the first Porto goal as Pepe got ahead of him to nod into an empty net – with Martinez static on the six-yard box.There is clearly not much of a partnership with De Ligt as Porto pulled them apart all evening.Hooked along with De Ligt late on.Diogo Dalot – 4Porto enjoyed a lot of success down Man Utd’s left-hand side and Dalot looked all at sea on several occasions.Had little help from Martinez but still looked exposed.Casemiro – 3Anonymous yet again in Man Utd’s midfield – the ball just passes him by.It is not a shock now to see the five-time Champions League winner in this state, but Ten Hag continues to field him and embarrass him further.Could not even manage one of his customary fouls.Casemiro was abject yet again in The Red Devils’ midfieldCredit: AFPChristian Eriksen – 5Looked leggy out of possession but produced an impressive run before laying it off to Hojlund for Man Utd’s second goal.Then failed to make much more of an impact and his delivery from wide areas left a lot to be desired.Bruno Fernandes – 4A damning indictment of Man Utd’s current predicament as Fernandes was shown a red card for a second successive game.Two high boots, two yellow cards, and another early bath for the Portuguese playmaker – who had worked tirelessly prior to his dismissal.Amad Diallo – 5Very quiet aside from one burst through the middle as Rashford received all of the ball over the other side.Replaced by Antony who arguably created even less.Rasmus Hojlund – 7Made his case for starting ahead of Joshua Zirkzee with a goal, firing beyond Costa at the near post.Held it up and then showed his strength and pace to run at Porto before the break – showing little rustiness in his first start of the season.Marcus Rashford – 8Rashford showed his directness for the opening goal, driving at the Porto back line and forcing the error from Costa.A constant threat in the first half as he assisted Hojlund’s strike.But he was then surprisingly hooked at the break, a decision that will need an explanation from Ten Hag.Rashford was a positive attacking outlet for Man Utd all eveningCredit: GettyRashford produced a superb half of football but was then replaced at half-timeSubsAlejandro Garnacho (for Rashford, 46 mins) – 7Showed a willingness to take on Porto defenders from the moment he entered the fray – as Rashford had done before him.Went close to equalising but for an acrobatic save from Costa.Antony (for Diallo, 69 mins) – 4Compared to the impact Garnacho had, Antony was invisible.Offered nothing as Man Utd went in search of an equaliser.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 69 mins) – 6Linked the play and held the ball up but does not have the threat in behind that Hojlund poses.Harry Maguire (for Martinez, 79 mins) – 8Ten Hag raised eyebrows by bringing on two centre-backs, only for Maguire to head a stoppage-time equaliser.READ MORE SUN STORIESJonny Evans (for De Ligt, 79 mins) – N/ADid his job when he came on but it was his fellow substitute who stole the headlines.Unused subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Lindelof, Collyer, Gore, Ugarte. 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      Chelsea 4 Gent 2: Nkunku celebrates France recall with goal that seals Conference League victory for rejigged Blues side

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      CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU celebrated his recall for France with a killer goal for rejigged Chelsea.The injury-jinxed £55million striker is finally back in the international game for the first time since joining the Premier League side in June last year.Christopher Nkunku fired home to show why he’s rated a lethal finisherCredit: GettySummer signing Renato Veiga celebrated his first Blues’ goalCredit: GettyVeiga completed a classy move for an early breakthroughCredit: AlamyKiernan Dewsbury-Hall slotted Chelsea’s fourth goalCredit: GettyHis 63rd-minute goal was enough to see off stubborn Gent, who fought back from 2-0 down to make a fight of it in the second half.It was also Nkunku’s seventh goal of the season as he battles to impress head coach Enzo Maresca and prove he has finally overcome a serious knee problem.Versatile Portuguese Under-21 left back Veiga nodded Chelsea in front after 11 minutes with a header taken more like a striker than a defender and claim his first goal for the club.Mykhailo Mudryk delivered a high cross over the box from an unfamiliar position on the right and Veiga was unmarked at the far post. READ MORE TOP STORIESBut it still took calm finishing to direct the ball into the opposite corner and beat the keeper.Yet the early boost failed to trigger a wave of goals in a frustrating first half.Maresca’s team was a much tamer version of that which plundered four in the first 45 minutes against Brighton last Saturday in the Premier League.With an entirely changed starting XI it was too much to ask for a repeat performance.Most read in FootballNkunku drilled home a first-touch finish to end Gent’s resistanceCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKiernan Dewsbury-Hall fired wide, as did Pedro Neto.  But in a few worrying moments, so did Gent striker Andri Gudjohnsen, son of ex-Chelsea forward Eidur, who was sitting in the Stamford Bridge West Stand watching his lad following in his bootsteps.Watch Enzo Maresca’s incredibly blunt response when asked if he has regrets about axing Chelsea star from squadPedro Neto punished dozy defending by whacking Chelsea’s second goalCredit: ReutersGudjohnsen Jnr’s shot whistled just over the bar in the 35th minute but they also threatened through English defender Archie Brown who shot straight at Chelsea keeper Filip Jorgensen.It looked game over when Veiga’s fellow countryman Neto made it 2-0 less than a minute into the second half, cashing in on hesitancy in the Gent defence to blast home from a tight angle.But Gudjohnsen Snr will have been proud to see his lad provide the cross that saw the Belgians pull a goal back in the 49th minute after Chelsea failed to clear from a corner.Defender Tsuyoshi Watanabe headed in in similar style to Veiga to liven things up on the pitch and off it – with the visiting fans hurling objects at home supporters in the Shed End.Nkunku finally saw off Gent with 23 minutes left with a drilled shot past the keeper.Dewsbury-Hall’s goal in the 70th minute meant Chelsea eventually scored four goals for the second match in a row. Gent sub Omri Gandelman made it 4-2 in the 90th minute.Tsuyoshi Watanabe profited from terrible defending by netting for GentCredit: Rex More

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      Bruno Fernandes controversially sent off for second game running in Man Utd’s draw at Porto

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      BRUNO FERNANDES was controversially sent off for a second Man Utd game in a row.The Red Devils’ captain received a second booking for a high boot against Porto.Bruno Fernandes was controversially sent off for Man Utd at Porto awayCredit: ReutersThe United captain was accused of a high boot on Nehuen Perez as he received a second yellow cardCredit: AFPUnited raced into a two-goal lead in Portugal’s second city as Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund both took advantage of errors from goalkeeper Diogo Costa.But Porto came roaring back with a strike from Pepe and an equaliser from summer Chelsea target Samu Omorodion – all before half time.Omorodion then struck again to give the hosts the lead before the moment of madness involving Fernandes.The United skipper – who used to play for Porto’s fierce rivals Sporting – went in late challenging for a high ball against Nehuen Perez.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Argentine then fell to the ground clutching his face and the referee duly produced a second yellow card.However, replays showed that Fernandes’ boot did not make contact with the Argentine’s head, with his leg only touching Perez’s arm.Fortunately however, Fernandes’ predecessor as Man Utd captain was on hand to save boss Erik ten Hag from total embarrassment.In stoppage time, when all hope appeared lost, substitute Harry Maguire popped up to head home an equaliser from a corner.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Porto game was the second in five days in which Fernandes has seen red – both in controversial circumstances.On Sunday, he was sent off for a studs-up lunge on James Maddison during a 3-0 loss to Tottenham.Peter Schmeichel reveals hotel corridor fight with Roy Keane and moment Man Utd legend was busted by journalist But he then had his red card rescinded after footage showed that he had slipped into the tackle.That decision from the FA means he will be available for the match at Aston Villa on Sunday.However, he will receive no such reprieve for tonight’s red card as UEFA rules been a second booking can only be overturned in cases of mistaken identity.That means he will miss United’s next Europa League clash away to former boss Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.Harry Maguire’s stoppage time header rescued a thoroughly undeserved point for Man UtdCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes’ predecessor as Man Utd captain wheeled away in celebrationCredit: Getty More

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      Antonio Rudiger instantly wins over Arsenal fans as former Chelsea defender pays Gunners stars huge compliment

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      ARSENAL fans have put their rivalries aside to heap love onto former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.Rudiger, now plying his trade at Real Madrid, gushed about two Gunners’ stars – instantly winning over the Arsenal fans in the process.Antonio Rudiger gushed about two Arsenal stars in an interviewCredit: YouTube/The Inside ScoopRudiger named Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba as two of the best defenders aroundCredit: AlamyGerman international Rudiger was on the Inside Scoop podcast when he was discussing which centre-backs he feels are at the top of the game at the moment.The 31-year-old, who plays at centre-half himself, looked straight to Arsenal’s imperious duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.He said: “Saliba and I like Gabriel from Arsenal as well. If you see Arsenal and the two centre-backs playing together. “For two years now they are doing an amazing job. The transformation from Arsenal before and now.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”Those two are the pillar of it. You have Gabriel as the more aggressive leader and Saliba, this brother plays clean.”You have to give it to him he looks like a silent leader”.Arsenal fans were elated to discover that one of Europe’s best defenders rates their centre-back duo so highly, taking to social media to react.One wrote: “From a Top five defender, elite must recognise elite”.Most read in FootballRudiger used to play for Arsenal’s rivals ChelseaCredit: ReutersHe now plies his trade at Real MadridCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile another added: “Others see dark arts, Rudiger sees a leader and a clean man”.A third commented: “Class recognised class”.Bukayo Saka left looking ‘so helpless’ in bizarre moment Conor McGregor tries UFC moves on Arsenal star And a fourth joked: “Always loved Rudiger”.Arsenal’s centre-back pairing have been sensational in recent seasons with the pair at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s side’s defensive stability.William Saliba earned a spot in the PFA Team of the Year last season and has been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.While Gabriel hasn’t just been a wall at the back, but has also scored more Premier League goals (16) than any other centre-back since his arrival in England’s top flight in 2020. More

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      Ruud van Nistelrooy in sarcastic response after he is booked in Man Utd’s crazy clash against Porto

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY had a sarcastic response to being booked during Manchester United’s draw with Porto.The Dutch coach was shown a yellow card by referee Tobias Stieler during a crazy first half in Portugal.Ruud van Nistelrooy was booked during Manchester United’s clash with PortoCredit: TNT SportsThe Red Devils coach had a sarcastic response to referee Tobias Stieler’s decisionCredit: TNT SportsUnited raced into a two-goal lead inside 20 minutes thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund.However, they were pegged back before half-time by their hosts at the Estadio do Dragao.In the aftermath of Samu Omorodion’s equaliser, Stieler walked over to the away dugout to speak to Van Nistelrooy.The Red Devils coach even invited the referee into the technical area before he brandished his yellow card, to which he responded to by nodding and sticking his thumb up.READ MORE ON MAN UTDVan Nistelrooy then sat back in his seat next to Ten Hag as Stieler restarted the match.Footage of the former United striker’s reaction quickly caught the attention of fans on social media.Reacting to the incident, one supporter wrote: “Ruud is showing more passion as an assistant than Ten Hag has one as manager in three years.”Another added: “At least he’s showing some passion for the game. Erik just sat there.”Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third fan also commented: “Showing more passion than Ten Hag and most of those players on the pitch.”Meanwhile, one more said: “At least he has character. Give him a chance at the wheel.”Man Utd fans say ‘we’re going to unleash a monster’ as they spot Van Nistelrooy already working his magic on Rashford United’s night got even worse after Van Nistelrooy’s booking as Omorodion grabbed his second to put the hosts in front.Bruno Fernandes was then sent off during the final 10 minutes for the second time in five days.Erik ten Hag’s blushes were spared in stoppage time, though, as Harry Maguire scored a vital late equaliser for his side.Van Nistelrooy returned to Old Trafford in the summer as an assistant to Erik ten Hag.Van Nistelrooy’s passion was hailed by United fans following Porto’s equaliserCredit: TNT SportsHe previously spent a season in charge of PSV before leaving in 2023 after winning the Dutch Cup.His return came 18 years after he left United as a player back in 2006.During five years with the club, Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 219 appearances and won four trophies, including a Premier League title. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson snubs Man Utd vs Porto to watch another Europa League clash

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON snubbed Manchester United’s draw with Porto on Thursday night.The legendary Red Devils manager chose to watch another Europa League clash instead.Sir Alex Ferguson snubbed Manchester United for another Europa League clashCredit: PAThe Red Devils travelled to Portugal to face Porto on Thursday nightCredit: AlamyUnited travelled to Portugal for their second league phase fixture following last week’s draw with Twente.However, their 13-time Premier League-winning former boss was not in attendance for their thrilling 3-3 draw in Portugal.While his old club took on the 2004 Champions League winners, Ferguson watched on as Rangers faced Lyon at Ibrox.The 82-year-old was pictured in the stands at Glasgow during a frantic first half as Lyon took the lead inside 10 minutes.READ MORE ON MAN UTDRangers pegged them back just four minutes later, though, thanks to Tom Lawrence’s equaliser.The visitors regained their advantage after former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette found the back of the net before he grabbed another in stoppage time.Phillippe Clement’s side won their opening match last week away to Swedish side Malmo.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, Lyon were also victorious at home to Conference League winners Olympiacos.Most read in Europa LeagueThe French side were victorious once again on Thursday, winning 4-1 after Fofana scored again during the second half.Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt agree on Sir Alex Ferguson’s most ruthless player axing at Man UtdUnited are set to host Rangers at Old Trafford on matchday seven in January.Ferguson has previously been a regular at United matches since leaving the dugout.He retired in 2013 after almost 27 years as manager, during which time he won 38 major trophies including the treble in 1999.His absence on Thursday comes after he reportedly recommended Massimiliano Allegri to replace Erik ten Hag as manager.The Dutchman has been under mounting pressure after Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham and Ferguson has chosen his successor.Allegri, who won five Serie A titles with Juventus, has been out of work since leaving the Italian giants in May.Lyon and Rangers traded three goals during the opening 20 minutes at IbroxCredit: PA More

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      Porto 3-3 Man Utd LIVE RESULT: Maguire comes to Ten Hag’s rescue as 10-man United equalise at the death – reaction

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have drawn 3-3 with Porto after a thrilling Europa League clash.Marcus Rashford broke the deadlock with a superb individual goal to hand the Red Devils a perfect start after seven minutes.On 20 minutes, Rasmus Hojlund opened his account for the season on his first start of the campaign.Pepe got the hosts back into the game with a header from close-range before Samu Omorodion made it 2-2 just after the half-hour mark.Early in the second half, the 20-year-old striker fired past Andre Onana to claim his second and complete a stunning turnaround in Porto.Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a second game running after he picked up a second yellow with 10 minutes left on the clock.But it was not over for United as super-sub Harry Maguire came to Erik ten Hag’s aid in stoppage time with a huge header to make it 3-3.Match result: Porto 3-3 Man UtdPorto team: Costa, Martio, Pedro, Nehuen, Moura, Varela, Eustaquio, Nico, Pepe, Galeno, SamuMan Utd team: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes; Amad, Hojlund, RashfordFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from Estadio do Dragao with our live blog below…Defence needs addressing for DutchmanThe elephant in the room this evening was Man Utd’s poor defending.Whenever they came under pressure, they looked all over the place and there was no formation or solidity.Gifting goals to their opponents, Erik ten Hag’s side are giving themselves an uphill struggle in all too many games.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedUnited show some grit in PortugalAfter falling behind, to get that late goal will seem somewhat of a positive result in the end.The concerns are still there but the main thing for the Red Devils is they avoided defeat.With a tough trip to Villa Park on the weekend, they need to find some form soon.Copy linkCopiedFT: Porto 3-3 Man UtdThat result leaves the Red Devils in 21st place in the table.However, it could be a lot worse if they did not get a point.Maguire’s goal could have kept ten Hag in employment for a little longer there.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedFT: Porto 3-3 Man UtdWhat a game that was.Man Utd let a two-goal lead slip and were facing defeat as we headed into added time.Maguire rose from the corner to head home and salvage a point for Erik ten Hag’s side.Copy linkCopiedFT: Porto 3-3 Man UtdThe referee brings the game to a close.What an entertaining match that was.Both sides will feel they could have won this game but it ends in an enthralling draw.Copy linkCopiedPorto 3-3 Man Utd90+4. How Porto will rue that missed chance now.They really should have been 4-2 up but Galeno opted to shoot rather than square it for a tap in.Nobody in a red shirt is complaining though, Man Utd seem to have got a point out of this game.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedPorto 3-3 Man Utd90+2. What an important goal that could be for his manager.As the corner comes in, Maguire rises for a completely free header in the box.It heads straight into the bottom corner for a dramatic late equaliser.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Harry Maguire (Man Utd)Copy linkCopiedPorto 3-2 Man Utd90. Porto had an overload on the counter attack but opted for game management instead.Passing the ball around, utilising the space and keeping the ball.Antony manages to win a corner for the visitors.We are going to have five added minutes.Copy linkCopiedPorto 3-2 Man Utd88. Garnacho almost gets the goal for the visitors.He cuts inside onto his right and gets a shot off that is arrowing into the top corner.Costa just about palms it over the crossbar.Copy linkCopiedPorto 3-2 Man Utd86. Garnacho drops his shoulder and gets a yard ahead of his man.His cross is dreadful and goes out for a throw in on the other side of the pitch.Credit where it is due to the travelling fans for their commitment, most fans wouldn’t travel to Salford to watch this team, let alone Portugal.Copy linkCopiedPorto 3-2 Man Utd84. When Man Utd were two-nil up, if you had suggested this as the outcome people would have questioned your sanity.It is unbelievable how this team are able to implode.Should they lose this game, it is right out of the Everton playbook.Copy linkCopiedPorto 3-2 Man Utd82. As the cross comes into the box, the defender heads it clear but goes down suggesting Fernandes caught him with a high boot.Having already been shown a yellow card earlier in the game for a similar challenge, Fernandes is given his marching orders.Porto go down the other end and Galeno takes a shot on when he could have squared it for a tap in.Huge chance missed by the hosts.Copy linkCopiedRed card – Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)Copy linkCopiedPorto 3-2 Man Utd80. Man Utd are chasing an equaliser with ten minutes to go.Weirdly, with that in mind, ten Hag brings on Maguire and Evans.You can never second guess this guy.He just seems to be all about the banter.Copy linkCopiedPorto 3-2 Man Utd78. Samu comes off to a standing ovation from the home fans.He will miss out on the chance to get his hat-trick.Fabio Viera and Marko Grucic comes on for Porto.Eustaquio is the other player to make way.Copy linkCopiedPorto 3-2 Man Utd76. It is one-way traffic at the moment.Porto are getting everyone behind the ball, trying to absorb the pressure.Time is slowly running out for Erik ten Hag’s side.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedPorto 3-2 Man Utd74. Garnacho cuts inside from the left and looks to shoot.It takes a big deflection and goes wide for another corner.Man Utd need to make one of these set pieces count.Casemiro meets the cross with a header but it strikes the back of Zirkzee’s head to prevent an equaliser.Copy linkCopiedPorto 3-2 Man Utd72. If only the British weather was as predictable as Antony.He receives a short corner and cuts onto his left foot trying to shoot.It is well blocked by the Porto defender.He was trying to relive the dreams of that wonder goal away against Newport County there.Copy linkCopiedPorto 3-2 Man Utd70. Galeno has a chance to shoot from the edge of the box but gets his effort all wrong.He slices it in the air and over the goal.Man Utd have to throw players forward now, which will leave them more open to the Porto counter.Copy linkCopiedPorto 3-2 Man Utd68. When he signed from Bayern Munich, Man Utd fans felt De Ligt was the answer to all their defensive prayers.Tonight he is showing why Eric Dier took his place at the Allianz Arena.Antony and Zirkzee come on for Amad and Hojlund.Copy linkCopiedPorto 3-2 Man Utd66. De Ligt almost gifts Samu his hat-trick.Trying to control the ball he hits it straight into his path.The Porto striker tries to bend one in the far corner but Onana tips it behind for a corner.Copy linkCopiedPorto 3-2 Man Utd64. Porto are putting their bodies on the line constantly.Whenever it looks like a Man Utd player is about to pull the trigger, they are getting the blocks in.Erik ten Hag’s side could learn something from that.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPorto 3-2 Man Utd62. It is still hard to predict which way this game will go.One thing is for sure, either teams’ defensive coach will be bragging about this match.Fernandes tries a shot from distance but it is blocked by Perez.Copy linkCopiedPorto 3-2 Man Utd60. Samu is proving to be a real handful for the Man Utd defence.He was close to joining Chelsea in the summer and it looks like they have missed out on a real talent.His physcial presence, combined with his pace and movement is impressive.Copy linkCopied More

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      Erik ten Hag snaps back at former Man Utd coach Benni McCarthy after claims he ‘lacks fire’

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      ERIK ten Hag has launched a defiant defence of his team after comments from former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy.McCarthy, who worked as an assistant under Ten Hag at United, slammed the Dutchman for “lacking passion” and “wasting Cristiano Ronaldo” in a recent interview.Erik ten Hag has defended himself his team after scathing comments from former assistant Benni McCarthyCredit: ReutersMcCarthy claimed that Ten Hag ‘lacked fire’ in a recent interviewCredit: GettyTen Hag is under mounting pressure at Old Trafford after a poor start to the season that has been compounded by back-to-back home thrashings in the league to Liverpool and Spurs.And prior to Man Utd’s Europa League clash with Porto on Thursday night, the manager was quizzed on McCarthy’s scathing assessment. Ten Hag wasn’t having any of the criticism and, as he has done plenty of times before, pointed to his trophy cabinet since his arrival at the Theatre of Dreams.He said: “I don’t know what he means. When you win trophies, you can’t do this without passion and desire.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDTen Hag has one two trophies in as many seasons at Man Utd, lifting the League Cup in his first year and guiding the side to FA Cup glory last term.United fans are beginning to lose patience with a reliance on domestic cup competitions after the club’s league form has failed to impress.So far this season Man Utd have lost three of their six Premier League clashes – that’s the same number of league defeats amassed by champions Man City in the entirety of the previous campaign.And as pressure continues to mount, Ten Hag could be put under the microscope when his side travel to Villa Park this weekend.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd take on Aston Villa on Sunday, hoping to bounce back from their 3-0 trashing to Spurs last weekend.And according to The Athletic, club chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning on making the trip to Birmingham to watch the game.Patrice Evra is confident Erik ten Hag can turn it around at Man UtdRatcliffe is the key decision maker at United and it will ultimately be him who decides if Ten Hag’s time at the helm will come to an end amid the club’s poor form.His time could come to an end soon as speculation continues to swirl about his sacking with comments such as Benni McCarthy’s doing the rounds.The ex-Blackburn and West Ham striker, 46, spent two years as Ten Hag’s assistant before he left in the summer.And after being replaced by Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake in the dugout, McCarthy didn’t pull any punches in his assessment of Ten Hag’s management.Speaking to Zero Zero, he said: “He lacks a bit of that fire, that passion. That’s where we differ, him and I.”I think that was one of the difficulties that the team and the players encountered.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile he added: “Before I joined the team, I always had to communicate my thoughts to the head coach, which is normal.”For someone like me, with strong convictions, it’s not easy. Erik always had the final say.”Manchester United have had a dismal start to the seasonCredit: Reuters More