As has often been the case in recent years, Manchester United requires a reaction, and a trip to Portugal has supplied the latest opportunity.
The Reds are the visitors to an intimidating Estadio do Dragao for a week two Europa League fixture with Porto.
Following an underwhelming draw with Twente and a disastrous capitulation against Spurs, Erik ten Hag is once more the focus of attention in the North West, with many regarding his next two outings as crucial for his future.
But the Dutchman remains calm and is confident that his group can and will begin firing soon.
“We are going to make a success from the season,” he told Sky Sports ahead of this evening’s European outing.
“Nothing is easy, but this is nothing for me to panic about. We can sort (the problems) out. – this team can sort this out.”
Team News
Ten Hag has named a 23-man travelling squad, with Mason Mount the only absentee from Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Spurs.
“He had a head injury and picked up a knock, so they are the two reasons why he’s not available for tomorrow,” the manager told the media.
Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, and Luke Shaw remain unavailable, although the former Ajax man offered an update on a problematic lack of options on the left side of his defence.
“They are improving, but we hope Luke Shaw can return after the international break quickly,” he continued.
“I don’t know if it’s the first game, we’re hoping for [it], but I can’t, in this moment, tell this with 100 per cent security.
“But, yeah, from now on, we have two-and-a-half weeks to work to that point. And, shortly after, he’ll be there.
“Tyrell is making good progress on the pitch but has to make the step to full team training.”
Rasmus Hojlund has trained well midweek as he continues his rehabilitation towards full fitness, and the Dane is in contention to lead the line.
The sides have met eight times in their history, with United holding a slight advantage (three wins, three draws and two defeats).
You must go back to 2009 for the last encounter, with Cristiano Ronaldo firing the game’s only goal in a 1-0 win.
Fortunately, recent history bodes well for the travelling Reds, with the Old Trafford giants unbeaten in their last 12 major European outings against Portuguese opposition.
But, given the alarming lack of wins in recent continental campaigns, with a solitary victory in nine outings, it remains unclear what type of performance to expect.
With kickoff set for 20:00 BST, how do you see Manchester United getting on against Porto this evening?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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