Porto vs Manchester United predictions: Porto can add to Red Devils' woes
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- Porto have won their four home games this season, conceding only once
- United have failed to win their last three in all competitions
- Recommended bet: Porto to win
Head coach Erik ten Hag says there is nothing "to panic about" regarding Manchester United's current form, but a defeat in Porto on Thursday could plunge his position into further jeopardy.
Despite Sunday's 3-0 home loss to Tottenham, the rumours still persist that the Dutchman's job is safe, even if his team loses in Portugal and against at Aston Villa at the weekend.
However, with the October international break looming, a victory at the Estadio Do Dragao would be timely.
Ten Hag's team disappointingly drew their Europa League opener against FC Twente 1-1, but it was an even worse story for Porto, who lost 3-2 away to 10-man Bodo/Glimt.
Dragoes' boss Vitor Bruno is already under pressure, meaning both coaches need a result on Thursday.
Team news
Porto are without defenders Zaidu Sanusi and Ivan Marcano (both ACL), while Otavio is a doubt due to a muscle injury.
United duo Leny Yoro (foot) and Luke Shaw (calf) remain sidelined and Kobbie Mainoo (muscle), Mason Mount (head), Harry Maguire (knock) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) are fitness doubts.
Former Porto loanee Casemiro could start, while captain Bruno Fernandes may want to make amends after being sent off against Tottenham, albeit his red card has since been rescinded.
The stats
Both clubs are former winners of this competition – Porto in 2003 and 2011, United in 2017.
Porto have won their four home games this season, including responding to their defeat to Bodo/Glimt by beating Arouca 4-0.
United lost 3-0 against Tottenham on Sunday and have won just three of their nine games in all competitions, including the Community Shield.
This is the first time the pair have met in the Europa League but they have faced off eight times previously, most recently in the 2008-09 Champions League quarter-finals when United won 3-2 on aggregate.
Both of Porto's previous wins over United have come at home.
Prediction
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Ten Hag might be playing down his situation but the proximity of the international break makes it hard not to imagine that his time in charge of United is running out.
The Dutchman has a habit of earning results just when his job is seemingly on the line but on the evidence of his team's tepid showing against Twente and total collapse in the Tottenham defeat, it is tough to anticipate them winning in Portugal.
Opposite number Bruno is also under the microscope despite only being appointed in the summer. However, Porto have a tradition of producing good performances against European football's big teams, absorbing pressure and then hurting teams on the break.
United have been so open this season – they simply could not handle a Tottenham team who set themselves up to stretch the game by deciding against picking a holding midfield – and look very vulnerable.
Anything near a repeat of their tactics against Spurs could spell trouble and the home team's attacking trio of Pepe, Galeno and Samu Omorodion could wreak havoc.
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