FC Porto vs Manchester United Predictions

• FC Porto have won all four of their home games this season, two of which were 0-0 at half-time
• Manchester United have scored only one goal in their last three games in all competitions
• United have issues all over the park after Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Tottenham

Red Devils aim to restore some pride

Manchester United will attempt to restore some pride and get their Europa League campaign back on track when they travel to the Estadio do Dragao to face Porto on Thursday. Erik ten Hag’s side are coming off two disappointing results in which their structural and fitness issues were exploited by FC Twente and Tottenham.

The Red Devils appeared to be in control of their home clash against the Dutch side last Wednesday until a clever tweak in tactics brought the downfall of a team that increasingly looks to have shaky foundations.

Then Tottenham, on 24 hours less rest, completely outplayed them for long spells at Old Trafford to ramp up the pressure on Ten Hag and his squad. United’s 3-0 defeat was made worse by an injury to Kobbie Mainoo and a red card for Bruno Fernandes, although the out-of-form captain is able to face Porto this week.

Porto can pinch it after the break

Porto also had their issues in a Europa League defeat to Bodo/Glimt last week. They could not handle the Norwegians’ intensity on an artificial pitch which discourages tackling and fell to a 3-2 defeat, despite playing against 10 men for 40 minutes.

Vitor Bruno’s side got back to winning ways with a 4-0 thrashing of Arouca at the weekend in a match that turned on a red card for the visitors. The Dragons underwent some major surgery in the summer with the departure of long-time coach Sergio Conceicao and several leading lights with some of the summer recruits still yet to bed in.

Striker Samu Omorodion has hit the ground running, however, with five goals in his first four games and he can make the difference against United, who have not got enough out of Joshua Zirkzee up front.  Porto were unable to open Arouca up before the break and nor were they able to shake Bodo/Glimt off despite taking an early lead last week, so backing the home side to win after a drawn first 45 minutes makes the most sense.