A disheartening defeat to Tottenham Hotspur (0:3) has once again sparked discussions about potential managerial changes at Manchester United. The trip to Porto offers Manchester United a chance to redeem themselves, as the board still has faith in the manager, who desperately needs success in the upcoming games.
The current Portuguese side is no longer a serious challenge for Europe's top clubs. In their last five matches, the team have suffered two setbacks, with their other opponents proving too easy. In Norway, Bodø/Glimt (2:3) defeated the Portuguese side, despite playing a man down from the 51st minute. Porto conceded three times on 1.64 xG and 11 shots. The team lacks key players like Iván Marcano, Fábio Vieira, and Zaidu Sanusi, each of whom would add valuable experience to the squad.
Manchester United are missing five defenders, but the manager has already adapted to this. Before the setback against Tottenham Hotspur, the team conceded just one goal in four matches following the international break. Against Tottenham Hotspur, they created 1.05 xG — a respectable figure considering that Bruno Fernandes was sent off just before halftime.
The first meeting in 15 years between Porto and Manchester United will be tough for both sides. The English team possess enough star power to win on quality alone, and they have the added motivation to do so.
