Manchester United’s centre-backs were heavily criticised for Porto’s third goal, with Matthijs de Ligt singled out as suffering “an absolute nightmare”.
Former United midfielder Paul Scholes was full of praise for powerful Porto forward Samu Omorodion, who bagged a brace to first pull Porto level before handing them the lead which almost won them the tie.
“He caused de Ligt an absolute nightmare today,” said Scholes on BT Sport after the game, with fellow pundit Karen Carney critical of the positioning of De Ligt and centre-back partner Lisandro Martinez, accusing them of “literally holding hands”
Despite fighting back to secure a 3-3 draw thanks to a last-gasp Harry Maguire header, Hargreaves felt that Manchester United reached new levels of absurdity as they let a two-goal lead slide.
Meanwhile, United face Aston Villa at the weekend and it’s hard to see Ten Hag staying in the job with anything short of world-beating performance from his side.
Footyvalid understands that, United’s Co Owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to attend Villa Park and the British billionaire may have to pull the trigger and sack Ten Hag if United suffer defeat again.
There was a reaction from the United squad after reports that the dressing room still supported Ten Hag, but it was short-lived and the usual problems resurfaced even after the bright start.
Ineos may soon be looking back on the managerial shortlist they drew up in the summer, and there are as many as 10 potential Ten Hag replacements they could consider.
Ultimately, the Dutchman needed the players he could trust to step up and perform for him. Unfortunately for Ten Hag, one of his own signings had a night to forget
