Looking to bounce back from a bruising Premier League loss, Manchester United head to the Estadio do Dragao for their second Europa League clash of the season, where they will face Portuguese heavyweights Porto on Thursday night.
Erik ten Hag’s men were undoubtedly seen as one of the frontrunners for the tournament before a ball was even kicked this season, but they stumbled out of the gates with a lackluster 1-1 draw against FC Twente.
Things went from bad to worse as the Red Devils were handed a heavy 3-0 defeat on home turf by Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, with captain Bruno Fernandes receiving the marching orders for a reckless tackle.
In stark contrast, Porto cruised to a commanding 4-0 win over Arouca in the Primeira Liga, showcasing their dominant league form. The home side has been in fine shape domestically, suffering just one defeat in their first seven matches. However, they are still on the hunt for their first Europa League win, having fallen short in their opening fixture away to Bodo/Glimt.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
FC Porto vs. Man United live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Europa League league match in UK:
TV channel: TNT Sports 2
Live stream: Discovery+, Discovery+ App
This game is available on TNT Sports 2 for live TV broadcast in UK. Streaming options are available on Discovery+ and Discovery+ App.
What time does FC Porto vs. Man United kick off in UK?
This Europa League clash takes place at the Estadio Do Dragao in Porto, Portugal and kicks off on Thursday, October 3 at 8:00 p.m. local time.
| Date | Thu, Oct. 3 |
| Kick-off time | 8:00 p.m. BST |
| Venue | Estadio Do Dragao |
| Location | Porto, Portugal |
FC Porto vs. Man United predicted lineups, team news
Manchester United come into this game without the services of injured defensive duo Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw. Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, and Tyrell Malacia are all doubts for this clash.
Christian Eriksen could partner with Manuel Ugarte in the midfield pivot. Under-fire boss Erik ten Hag will be eager to secure a positive result here, so he's likely to field a strong lineup. Expect Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt to retain their spots in the backline, while Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes are set to feature prominently up front.
Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund is pushing for a starting role now that he's shaken off his injury and could replace Joshua Zirkzee.
Man United predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Onana (GK) — Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot — Eriksen, Ugarte — Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford — Hojlund.
Injured: Yoro, Shaw, Mainoo (doubt), Mount (doubt), Maguire (doubt), Malacia (doubt)
Suspended:
Zaidu Sanusi and Ivan Marcano will remain on the sidelines for Porto for their clash with Man United. Otavio is also a major doubt having missed three of their last games.
Samu Omorodion has been in top form since joining Porto this summer and will be flanked by Pepe and Galeno in attack.
FC Porto predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Costa (GK) — Mario, Pedro, Perez, Moura — Gonzalez, Varela — Pepe, Sousa, Galeno — Omorodion.
Injured: Otavio (doubt), Sanusi, Marcano
Suspended: None
FC Porto vs. Man United Prediction
Manchester United and FC Porto have locked horns eight times in the past, with the Red Devils holding a slight edge, having claimed victory in three encounters, while Porto have emerged triumphant twice, and the spoils have been shared on three occasions.
Given United's recent struggles to carve open defenses, this match could very well end in a stalemate. It's a tricky challenge for the Red Devils, who have yet to consistently impress and prove themselves in recent weeks.
- Prediction: FC Porto 1-1 Man United
Europa League fixture schedule this week
All times BST
Thursday, October 3
- Ferencvaros vs. Tottenham Hotspur (5:45 p.m.)
- Lazio vs. Nice (5:45 p.m.)
- Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Midtjylland (5:45 p.m.)
- Olympiacos vs. Braga (5:45 p.m.)
- Qarabag vs. Malmo (5:45 p.m.)
- Real Sociedad vs. Anderlecht (5:45 p.m.)
- RFS vs. Galatasaray (5:45 p.m. )
- Slavia Prague vs. Ajax (5:45 p.m.)
- Hoffenheim vs. Dynamo Kyiv (5:45 p.m.)
- FC Twente vs. Fenerbahce (8:00 p.m.)
- Plzen vs. Ludogorets (8:00 p.m.)
- Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Bodo/Glimt (8:00 p.m.)
- Rangers vs. Lyon (8:00 p.m.)
- PAOK vs. FCSB (8:00 p.m.)
- Athletic Club vs. AZ (8:00 p.m.)
- FC Porto vs. Man United (8:00 p.m.)
- Elfsborg vs. Roma (8:00 p.m.)
- Besiktas vs. Eintracht Frankfurt (8:00 p.m.)
