Frank Christian
On Thursday, October 3, Manchester United aims to secure their first victory in the UEFA Europa League this season while also lightening the load on manager Erik ten Hag as they take on Porto.
The Red Devils faced a setback last Sunday, losing 3-0 at home to Tottenham in the Premier League, adding to the pressure on Ten Hag as the team struggles in the 2024/25 season.
If United were to lose against both Porto and Aston Villa, especially before the October international break, Ten Hag’s position could be at serious risk, only months after he extended his contract with the club.
In their first Europa League match, United managed a 1-1 draw against Twente at home, whereas Porto lost 3-2 to Bodo/Glimt. Despite having only one league loss to Sporting CP this season, Porto’s coach Vitor Bruno is also feeling the heat, with many fans questioning his suitability to take over from the beloved Sergio Conceicao.
Let’s dive into the latest team updates and expected player lineups for this matchup.
Porto vs. Man United lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
The Nigerian defender Zaidu Sanusi might be making a comeback for Porto as he trained with the squad on Wednesday. However, it’s uncertain if he will be rushed back from his long-term injury.
Missing from the training session were veteran defender Ivan Marcano and forward Fran Navarro, and they are expected to be absent from the match.
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 has included Kobbie Mainoo in their traveling squad, despite him leaving the match against Tottenham due to an injury. Meanwhile, Mason Mount, who sustained a head injury, is not traveling to Portugal.
Coach Ten Hag has also named young talent Dan Gore in his 23-man squad, just after he led the Under-21s to a 1-1 tie against Hertha BSC in the Premier League International Cup.
Harry Maguire returns to the lineup after missing the Spurs loss, but Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw remain out due to injuries.
Man United predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Onana (GK) — Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot — Ugarte, Eriksen — Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford — Hojlund
Injured: Shaw, Malacia, Mount
Suspended: None
Porto vs. Man United live stream, TV channel
Here’s where you can catch this Europa League encounter across different regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | TUDN USA | Paramount+, Fubo, TUDN, ViX, Univision NOW |
| Canada | — | DAZN |
| UK | TNT Sports 2 | discovery+ |
| Australia | — | Stan Sport |
| India | Sony Ten 2 | Sony LIV, JioTV |
