Ten Hag makes four changes for Porto test

Thursday 03 October 2024 18:45

Erik ten Hag has made four changes to United's starting XI, ahead of our second Europa League fixture of the season.

The Reds take on FC Porto at the Estadio Dragao this evening (Thursday 3 October), with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 BST.

Ten Hag's men will be striving to respond to a sobering defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday, and a disappointing draw with FC Twente on matchday one of the Europa League.
 
Our starting XI is most notable for the first start of the season for Rasmus Hojlund, who missed the early weeks after picking up an injury during our tour of the United States. The Dane has made substitute appearances in our last three matches, and now has the chance to impress from the off.

Porto performance can reset the tone

 Article

United’s 1997 win over the Dragons was a statement display – the Reds could do with one again in Portugal.

Elsewhere, Casemiro starts for the first time since the Barnsley game in the Carabao Cup, and is partnered by Christian Eriksen at the base of midfield.

On the flanks, Amad returns to the starting line-up, while Marcus Rashford keeps his place on the left.

There were doubts prior to the game over Alejandro Garnacho, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo. Alejandro and Harry were fit enough for the bench, while the game came too soon for Kobbie after he was substituted during the first half of our game against Spurs with a minor issue.

Academy product Dan Gore is also among the substitutes.

THE TEAMS
 
Porto: Costa (c); Joao Maria, Ze Pedro, Perez, Moura; Gonzalez, Eustaquio, Varela; Pepe, Omorodion, Galeno.
 
Substitutes: Ramos, Djalo, Grujic, Vieira, Sousa, Jaime, Namaso, Franco, Gul, M. Fernandes, Borges, Mora.
 
United: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen; Amad, Fernandes (c), Rashford; Hojlund.

Substitutes:
Bayindir, Heaton, Evans, Lindelof, Maguire, Collyer, Gore, Ugarte, Antony, Garnacho, Zirkzee.

Recommended: