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Five things Erik ten Hag learned as Man Utd rescue late draw against Porto
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure after United secured a point away to FC Porto leaving them winless in Europe
Erik ten Hag is fighting for his job despite Manchester United rescuing a point in a dramatic 3-3 draw against FC Porto in the Europa League.
The pressure has been mounting on the Dutchman for a while and a huge 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend led to calls for him to be sacked.
United started brightly against Porto and brilliant footwork from Marcus Rashford saw them take the lead, with striker Rasmus Hojlund grabbing a second soon after on his return to the starting lineup.
The visitor's defensive weaknesses were exploited once again though, and two goals in seven minutes from Pepe and Samu Omorodion got the hosts back level before they took the lead after the break.
A second yellow for Burno Fernandes made it seem as if there was no way back for United, but a late header from substitute Harry Maguire rescued a point.
It leaves the Red Devils with just two points from two games in the competition confirming a disastrous start to both their European and league campaigns.
Sunday's game is a must-win
With an international break on the horizon, United's hierarchy could be thinking about a chance, and can you blame them?
The Red Devils have lacked identity and quality, and while the players have to bear some responsibility it ultimately comes down to the coach. Ten Hag clung to his job in the summer and a poor start was always going to put his position in doubt.
The script for a United manager's exit mid-way through their third season has been written many times before, and if the Dutchman doesn't find a way to beat Aston Villa on Sunday then his time will likely be up.
Marcus Rashford should have stayed on
The form of Rashford this season has been a silver lining in United's turmoil. He's been rightly criticised in the past for not showing enough quality but his consistency this campaign has been there for all to see.
He proved tonight he can still turn it on with an awe-inspiring run down the left flank past multiple Porto players to score the opening goal.
United's second was assisted by the 26-year-old too, but boss Ten Hag substituted him at half-time leaving supporters bemused. He simply has to play 90 minutes when he's on form.
United's worst problem is at left-back
Since the season began Man Utd have been playing Diogo Dalot as a makeshift left-back. Long-term injuries to both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have resulted in Ten Hag's biggest selection headache.
While Dalot has played in the position many times before, he's by no means good. United's defence on the left-hand side against Porto was non-existent at times and it's become a real problem.
Thankfully Malacia is in line to return soon, but it could be too late.
Rasmus Hojlund's return is a bonus
It's easy to focus on United's frailties at the moment but one silver lining, for supporters at least, is the return of Hojund.
The Danish number 9 was a constant presence for United going forward and blossomed in the first half doubling their initial lead.
He has a lot of potential and with Ruud van Nistlerooy on the training pitch, there's no reason he can't reach it.
Champions League qualification is already slipping away
United's aim heading into this season was to secure a return to Europe's premier competition. They are fortunate to have two routes to qualification - finishing in the top four or winning the Europa League.
At this point, neither looks likely, and another season outside of the Champions League will only set the club's progress back even further.
Daily Star Sunday
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure after United secured a point away to FC Porto leaving them winless in Europe
Erik ten Hag is fighting for his job despite Manchester United rescuing a point in a dramatic 3-3 draw against FC Porto in the Europa League.
The pressure has been mounting on the Dutchman for a while and a huge 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend led to calls for him to be sacked.
United started brightly against Porto and brilliant footwork from Marcus Rashford saw them take the lead, with striker Rasmus Hojlund grabbing a second soon after on his return to the starting lineup.
The visitor's defensive weaknesses were exploited once again though, and two goals in seven minutes from Pepe and Samu Omorodion got the hosts back level before they took the lead after the break.
A second yellow for Burno Fernandes made it seem as if there was no way back for United, but a late header from substitute Harry Maguire rescued a point.
It leaves the Red Devils with just two points from two games in the competition confirming a disastrous start to both their European and league campaigns.
Sunday's game is a must-win
With an international break on the horizon, United's hierarchy could be thinking about a chance, and can you blame them?
The Red Devils have lacked identity and quality, and while the players have to bear some responsibility it ultimately comes down to the coach. Ten Hag clung to his job in the summer and a poor start was always going to put his position in doubt.
The script for a United manager's exit mid-way through their third season has been written many times before, and if the Dutchman doesn't find a way to beat Aston Villa on Sunday then his time will likely be up.
Marcus Rashford should have stayed on
The form of Rashford this season has been a silver lining in United's turmoil. He's been rightly criticised in the past for not showing enough quality but his consistency this campaign has been there for all to see.
He proved tonight he can still turn it on with an awe-inspiring run down the left flank past multiple Porto players to score the opening goal.
United's second was assisted by the 26-year-old too, but boss Ten Hag substituted him at half-time leaving supporters bemused. He simply has to play 90 minutes when he's on form.
United's worst problem is at left-back
Since the season began Man Utd have been playing Diogo Dalot as a makeshift left-back. Long-term injuries to both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have resulted in Ten Hag's biggest selection headache.
While Dalot has played in the position many times before, he's by no means good. United's defence on the left-hand side against Porto was non-existent at times and it's become a real problem.
Thankfully Malacia is in line to return soon, but it could be too late.
Rasmus Hojlund's return is a bonus
It's easy to focus on United's frailties at the moment but one silver lining, for supporters at least, is the return of Hojund.
The Danish number 9 was a constant presence for United going forward and blossomed in the first half doubling their initial lead.
He has a lot of potential and with Ruud van Nistlerooy on the training pitch, there's no reason he can't reach it.
Champions League qualification is already slipping away
United's aim heading into this season was to secure a return to Europe's premier competition. They are fortunate to have two routes to qualification - finishing in the top four or winning the Europa League.
At this point, neither looks likely, and another season outside of the Champions League will only set the club's progress back even further.
Daily Star Sunday