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Harry Maguire shared his thoughts on Manchester United's 3-3 draw against FC Porto in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, October 3. The Red Devils blew away a 2-0 lead at Estadio do Dragao but managed to secure a late point.
United came into the game on the back of a harrowing 3-0 defeat at home against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. They had a perfect start against Porto as they went 2-0 up within the first 20 minutes. However, the hosts equalized in the first half before taking a 3-2 lead in the second half.
Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the 81st minute after receiving two yellow cards. Harry Maguire, who came off the bench, scored in the first minute of stoppage time to secure a point for Manchester United. After the game, he pointed out the mentality issues of the squad, saying (via Eurosport):
“When you get 2-0 away from home in a place like this, you’ve got to be a little bit more solid and a little bit more secure. There were far too many gaps, too many crosses coming into the box for sure.
“It’s more probably of a mental issue, it’s something we’ve got to overcome. It starts with belief. When we go 2-0 up then concede, does the belief go a little bit between the boys that we can go on and win the game? It’s something that we need to be aware of, something that we need to focus on.
“The boys on the pitch have obviously got together, they’ve got to realise that it’s happened far too many times. They’ve got to realise that every time we concede it’s something that we need to reset and refocus and go back to the game plan that got us the lead in the first place. If we want to be successful this season, we can’t be conceding two goals in as many minutes as we have done this season."
Manchester United have just three wins in nine games across competitions this season.
Manchester United's season continues to stumble after Porto disappointment
The Red Devils had the perfect start to the game against Porto as Marcus Rashford gave them the lead in the seventh minute. He then turned provider for Hojlund, who made it 2-0 in the 20th minute. However, it all unraveled for Manchester United post that.
Pepe scored in the 27th minute before Samu Omorodion restored parity seven minutes later. The Spanish striker made it 3-2 for the hosts in the 50th minute before Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the 81st minute. Harry Maguire then rose the highest to head home in the first minute of stoppage time.
Erik ten Hag's side now have three wins, three draws, and three defeats this season so far. Manchester United sit 21st in the Europa League table and 13th in the Premier League table. They will next face Aston Villa at Villa Park in the league on Sunday, October 6.
