Manchester United

After a series of disappointing home performances, questions are being raised about Erik ten Hag's future at Manchester United. Following a summer decision to retain him and extend his contract until 2026, the club's leadership, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, would face criticism if they were to dismiss him just six matches into the Premier League season. In the wake of a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford, the club's stance has been one of calmness, despite acknowledging the severity of the loss, which starkly contrasts with the high standards set by Ratcliffe, CEO Omar Berrada, and sporting director Dan Ashworth. While ten matches might be a more reasonable timeframe to evaluate Ten Hag's performance and management of the team, the pressure is mounting. A poor showing in the upcoming Europa League match against Porto, followed by a league clash with Aston Villa, could lead to significant consequences for the manager, especially with an international break looming after the Villa game.

Manchester United left Porto's Estádio do Dragão with a disappointing draw after squandering a two-goal lead, prompting manager Erik ten Hag to express his frustration with the team's defensive performance. The match saw Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund put United ahead early, but the hosts mounted a comeback, with Harry Maguire equalizing in stoppage time after Porto had taken a 3-2 lead. Ten Hag praised his players for initially executing the game plan effectively but lamented their lapse in concentration. "The players executed the plan brilliantly," he stated. "Then we switched off... conceding the first goal ignited the atmosphere in this stadium." Reflecting on the defensive issues, Ten Hag noted, "I need to review the match. I think we struggled on the left side, and Marcus [Rashford] was involved in that... but it was also about Garnacho. This isn't a criticism of Rashford." The match highlighted the need for improvement in United's defensive organization as they look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.

In the wake of Manchester United's disappointing 3-0 loss to Tottenham, Chris Sutton, Rory Smith, and Conor Coady engaged in a discussion about the future of manager Erik ten Hag. The panel expressed their concerns over the team's performance, especially considering the significant £600 million investment in the squad. Sutton emphasized that such a hefty expenditure should yield better results on the pitch. He criticized the team's lackluster display, suggesting that the players are not living up to the expectations that come with such financial backing. The conversation highlighted the growing pressure on Ten Hag, as fans and pundits alike question whether he can turn things around. Smith and Coady echoed Sutton's sentiments, pointing out that the current form of the team is unacceptable for a club of Manchester United's stature. They discussed the need for a clear strategy and improvement in performance if Ten Hag is to retain his position in the long term. Overall, the discussion underscored the urgency for Manchester United to address their issues and find a way to translate their investment into tangible success on the field.

Harry Maguire salvaged a point for 10-man Manchester United in a dramatic encounter against Porto, following a tumultuous period for the team. The match highlighted the struggles Erik ten Hag has faced, as his side went from a promising position to a precarious one in a matter of minutes. Initially, United seemed to be in control, but a rapid turnaround saw them concede two goals in just seven minutes, leveling the score at 2-2. A third goal from Porto appeared to seal United's fate, compounded by Bruno Fernandes receiving his second red card in as many matches. This sequence of events left Ten Hag's future hanging by a thread, with the specter of dismissal looming large. Despite the chaos, Maguire's late equalizer provided a glimmer of hope, allowing Ten Hag to momentarily escape the pressure surrounding his management. However, questions remain about how long he can continue to evade the scrutiny from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club's hierarchy.

**Porto vs Manchester United: Europa League – Live Updates** - Follow the action from the Estádio do Dragão, with kick-off set for 8pm BST. - In other Europa League news, Tottenham secured another away victory, bringing their points total to six from six. They are joined at the top of their group by Lazio and Anderlecht, putting pressure on Porto and Manchester United, who are in dire need of a win. In a recent email, Krish Krishnamoorthy humorously pointed out a potential mix-up, suggesting that "Desolation Row" might be a more fitting reference than "Desolation Street" for Manchester United's current situation. He noted that while the phrase "They’re selling postcards of the hanging" might be a bit harsh for manager Erik ten Hag, the sentiment reflects the challenges the team is facing. Stay tuned for live updates as the match unfolds!

Manchester United has successfully appealed the red card issued to Bruno Fernandes during the match against Tottenham. The club's appeal was accepted, leading to the decision being overturned. This outcome allows Fernandes to continue participating in upcoming matches without the suspension that would have followed the red card. The club expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring fair treatment for their players.

**Football Daily | Emiliano Martínez’s Ears Are Ringing, But Manchester United’s Are Burning** Aston Villa may have disappointed their fans with high ticket prices, but they excelled in other areas leading up to their impressive victory over Bayern Munich last night. Off the pitch, the club honored their legendary 1982 European Cup-winning team by hosting a special event to celebrate their remarkable achievement. Additionally, they paid tribute to the recently deceased Gary Shaw, featuring a heartfelt remembrance on the front of the matchday program. In a touching gesture, Shaw's name was also included on the team sheet, symbolizing the connection between past and present as the current squad aims to replicate the success of their predecessors. This is just a glimpse of our daily football newsletter, Football Daily. For the complete version, be sure to check out our subscription page for more insights and updates.

Bruno Fernandes's red card from Manchester United's recent match against Tottenham has been overturned by the Football Association, providing a significant boost for manager Erik ten Hag. The decision means that Fernandes, who was dismissed during the 3-0 defeat, will no longer face a three-game suspension. This development comes at a crucial time for United, who currently sit in 13th place in the league following a disappointing start to the season. With Ten Hag's position under scrutiny, the ability to field Fernandes in upcoming matches against Aston Villa, Brentford, and West Ham is a welcome relief. The red card was issued by referee Chris Kavanagh just before half-time for what was deemed a reckless challenge on James Maddison. However, replays indicated that Fernandes had slipped while attempting to close down Maddison, which significantly affected the nature of the challenge. The contact was minimal, leading many to question why VAR did not intervene during the match. With the FA's decision to rescind the ban, Fernandes will be available for selection, which could prove vital for United as they look to improve their fortunes in the league.

Erik ten Hag has expressed that Manchester United are feeling "mad" following their 3-0 defeat to Tottenham and emphasized the need for the players to channel that frustration into motivation for their upcoming match against Porto. The manager's future at the club could hinge on the results of this game, as well as their performance against Aston Villa. The disappointing display against Spurs has put Ten Hag's position under scrutiny, with the team currently sitting in 13th place in the Premier League. He is urging his players to respond positively in the Europa League clash on Thursday, recognizing the critical nature of the situation.

Manchester United has decided to continue backing Erik ten Hag as their manager for the upcoming matches against Porto and Aston Villa this week, despite the mounting pressure he is facing. The club remains committed to supporting him during this challenging period.