Maguire’s Late Header Salvages Dramatic 3:3 Draw For 10-Man Manchester United At Porto.
Harry Maguire came to the rescue for Manchester United with a dramatic injury-time header, securing a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League after the Red Devils had surrendered a two-goal lead and saw captain Bruno Fernandes sent off.
Under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag was on the brink of another defeat, but substitute Maguire’s powerful header from a Christian Eriksen corner in the first of five added minutes provided much-needed relief for United. The result could prove vital as the team struggles with form early in the season, having won only three of their first 10 matches.
United started brightly, with Marcus Rashford giving them the lead in the 7th minute after a clever solo run down the left ended with his shot slipping past Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Rasmus Højlund, making his first start of the season, doubled United’s advantage with a swift attack, finishing clinically after 20 minutes.
However, Porto responded quickly. Brazil winger Pepe nodded home after a Joao Mario cross nearly resulted in an own goal by United’s Noussair Mazraoui. Just 14 minutes after United went 2-0 up, Porto were level, as Samu Omorodion headed in a Mario cross, and the Spanish striker completed the turnaround shortly after the break, finishing sharply from a Pepe cutback.
United’s hopes of finding an equaliser suffered a blow when Bruno Fernandes was sent off with nine minutes left after receiving his second yellow card for a high boot, leaving the team down to 10 men. Despite Porto’s chances to extend their lead, they failed to capitalise, and Maguire made them pay with his dramatic late intervention.
While United avoided defeat, questions continue to mount over their form, as they have now failed to win their last four European away games despite scoring three goals. The pressure remains on Ten Hag to turn around what has been a difficult start to the season.
