The Red Devils suffered a humbling 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham last Sunday in the Premier League that piled further pressure on their Dutch boss amid a hugely disappointing start to the 2024/25 season.
Should United lose to Porto and Aston Villa before the club campaign pauses for the October international break, there is a real chance that Ten Hag's position could become untenable just months after he signed a renewed contract at Old Trafford.
United drew 1-1 at home to Twente in their opening Europa League game of this new league phase, while Porto suffered a 3-2 defeat at Bodo/Glimt. Although their only other defeat this season has come against Sporting CP in league play, Porto coach Vitor Bruno is also under pressure, with plenty of fans unconvinced that he is the right man to replace popular Sergio Conceicao in the long term.
The Sporting News looks at the latest team news and predicted lineups for this fixture.
Porto vs. Man United lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Porto could have Nigeria international Zaidu Sanusi available for this game after he trained with the team Wednesday, although it feels unlikely the left-back will be rushed in his recovery from a long-term injury.
Veteran defender Ivan Marcano and forward Fran Navarro missed that session and are not expected to be involved.
Porto predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Costa (GK) — Joao Mario, Pedro, Perez, Moura — Grujic, Eustaquio — Borges, Gonzalez, Jaime — Omorodion
Injured: Sanusi, Marcano, Navarro
Suspended: None
Manchester United included Kobbie Mainoo in their travelling squad despite the midfielder having to go off in the weekend defeat to Tottenham. Mason Mount, who suffered a head injury against Spurs, did not travel to Portugal.
Ten Hag also included youngster Dan Gore in his 23-man group, just a day after he captained the Under-21s to a 1-1 draw with Hertha BSC in the Premier League International Cup.
Harry Maguire is back available after sitting out the Spurs loss, but Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw remain sidelined.
Man United predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Onana (GK)—Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot—UUgarte, Eriksen—GGarnacho, Fernandes, Rashford—HHojlund
Injured: Shaw, Malacia, Mount
Suspended: None
Porto vs. Man United live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Europa League match across selected areas of the world's major regions:
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Manchester United go in search of their first UEFA Europa League win of the season—aand a performance that will ease pressure on manager Erik ten Hag—wwhen they face Porto on Thursday, Oct. 3.
