Frank Christian
Following a string of disappointing results, Manchester United’s pressure mounts as they head to Portugal to compete against the experienced Porto in the Europa League on Thursday. Manager Erik ten Hag’s position is under scrutiny after a troubling start to the Premier League season, with six consecutive losses leaving fans and analysts concerned.
Despite recent support from the new club ownership, the team’s struggles have only intensified after a harsh defeat to Tottenham over the weekend. Bruno Fernandes, who was sent off in that match, will be serving a suspension domestically but is eligible to lead the squad in this crucial fixture.
Porto currently ranks second in the Portuguese league after a rocky start, suffering a loss to their rivals Sporting and an upset in their Europa League debut against Norway’s Bodo/Glimt.
Match Prediction and Odds: Porto vs. Man United
- Moneyline suggestion: Man United (+145)
- Score forecast: Porto 0-1 Man United
With Ten Hag’s job hanging by a thread, he desperately needs a significant win to relieve the growing tension surrounding his role at the club. Recently, Porto struggled against Arouca despite having a numerical advantage and were disappointed in their initial European match. Manchester United is likely to secure a win, easing some pressure off Ten Hag for now.
| BetMGM (USA) |
|
| Porto win | +185 |
| Draw | +240 |
| Man United win | +145 |
| Both teams to score |
Y: -150 N: +105 |
| Over / Under 2.5 goals |
O: -120 U: -115 |
| Man United -0.5 goals |
+130 |
| Porto +0.5 goals |
-190 |
Match Facts: Porto vs. Man United
- Date: Thursday, October 3, 2024
- Kickoff Time: 9 p.m. local (3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT)
- Venue: Estadio Do Dragao (Porto, Portugal)
- Referee: Tobias Stieler (GER)
- Previous match: Porto 0-1 Man United (April 2009, Champions League)
Recommended Bet: Porto vs. Man United
- Bet: Under 2.5 total goals
- Odds: -115 (BetMGM)
Although Manchester United has shown vulnerability defensively in the Premier League, goalkeeper Andre Onana has managed to mitigate damage when needed. It’s expected that Ten Hag will approach this match cautiously, as earning a point away at Porto would be a satisfactory outcome.
Reflecting on last season’s European adventures, United experienced a mix of results, but their previous campaign offers insight into expectations, with three wins and limited goal-scoring in the group stages.
Prop Bet: Porto vs. Man United
- Bet: Man United over 2.5 total cards
- Odds: +102 (FanDuel)
Discipline issues have plagued Manchester United, resulting in a high number of yellow cards this season despite fewer fouls compared to other teams. With Tobias Stieler as the match referee, known for his propensity to hand out cards (averaging over six bookings per match in the Champions League), we may see a similar trend in this encounter.
