Europa League: Erik Needs a Win Badly as Sack Talks Re-Emerge

FC Porto vs Manchester United

Manchester United fans recently realised that a lot can change in a week. After demolishing Barnsley 7-0 in the EFL Cup third round, they were held to back-to-back draws by Crystal Palace and Twente before capitulating against Tottenham last weekend.

And life won’t get easier for Erik ten Hag as Manchester United boss, as they’ll take on Porto in the second matchday of the Europa League this Thursday evening at the Estadio do Dragao, where a hostile crowd awaits the Red Devils.

While Erik ten Hag is under enormous pressure, it is quite the opposite for Vitor Bruno, even if his team lost their first Europa League match against Bodo/Glimt.

The Dragons are firing on all cylinders lately in their domestic league, and they’re confident they can carry over their league form here in Europe.

 

Talking Points

Omorodion is Porto’s top threat

Porto can make a lot of noise this year in Portugal and in Europe after a productive summer transfer window, where they acquired Fabio Vieira from Arsenal on loan and Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid.

Omorodion is capable of creating Europa League 2024 highlights at the Estadio do Dragao, as he already has five goals in his first four appearances.

The €15 million Porto paid to get Omorodion is surprising because he was worth much more in the transfer market. Before moving to Portugal, the 20-year-old was supposed to go to Chelsea for €40 million, but their deal collapsed.

Samu Omorodion also played a key role in Spain’s Olympic gold run in the Paris Olympics, so much so that senior national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has called him up for senior duty in next month’s international break.

Another player to watch out for if you’re Manchester United is goalkeeper Diogo Costa, especially given that Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes played with him for the Portuguese national team.

Costa is one of the most underrated shot-stoppers in Europe, and the best example of this was when he became the first goalie ever to save three penalties at the Euros against Slovenia in the Round of 16.

 

Fernandes must perform for Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes’ poor form reared its ugly head against Tottenham, as he was given a questionable red card for his challenge against James Maddison. From that moment on, Manchester United never stood a chance to make a comeback.

Fernandes will be suspended for three games, but his punishment doesn’t apply here in the Europa League, so he’s expected to feature against Porto this week.

Even before the Spurs match, the team captain has been miles off the pace this season, as he has only one assist in his seven appearances so far. Many believe that he is slowly burning out due to the amount of games he has played since his arrival in 2020.

It doesn’t help Erik ten Hag either that Kobbie Mainoo is questionable to play against Porto after suffering a knock against Spurs, further limiting his midfield options.

 

History

Porto and Manchester United will meet for the first time since they faced off in the 2008-09 Champions League quarter-finals. The Red Devils advanced to the semi-finals at the time, as they won with an aggregate tally of 3-2.

After eliminating Porto, Manchester United defeated Arsenal 4-1 in the semi-finals but eventually lost to Barcelona 2-0 in the final.

Porto and Manchester United were in the Champions League last season.

The Dragons advanced to the Round of 16 after placing second behind Barcelona in Group H but were eventually eliminated by Arsenal. In stark contrast, the Red Devils were eliminated from European football altogether after being last in Group A.

Both teams have experienced winning the Europa League trophy, as Porto won it twice in 2002-03 and 2010-11 and Manchester United did so in 2016-17.

 

Betting Tip

According to the Europa League 2024 odds, this match between Porto and Manchester United could go either way this Thursday night. The Red Devils have the slight edge at 2.27, but the Dragons aren’t far behind at 2.75, and a draw is at 3.14 in the 1X2 market.

To be honest, a victory for Manchester United would surprise me given how they’re playing lately. But if you fancy the chances of that happening, SBOTOP bettors could also go for -0.25 at 2.09 in the Asian Handicap market.

On the other hand, a win for Porto could give you a payout of at least 9.20 in the Correct Score market, while a goalless draw offers 11.00 your bet.

   

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