Given the struggles that the Red Devils have endured, a home win could be a decent prediction for Porto vs. Man United on Thursday.
There are far easier away trips in Europe than a trip to the Estadio do Dragao, but Erik ten Hag desperately requires a win and a good performance if the pressure is to ease on the Dutchman.
FC Porto will also be hopeful of a return to form after slipping to defeat on matchday one in the Europa League.
United Surprising Favorites
| Match Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Porto | +188 |
| Draw | +240 |
| Man United | +145 |
Porto vs. Man United Head-to-Head Stats
| Total | Porto | Man United | Draws | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Europa League Games | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Goals | 25 | 11 | 14 |
Red Devils Favored Despite Intense Pressure
It comes as a bit of a shock that United are favored for this Europa League showdown against Porto.
The pressure on Erik ten Hag intensified on Sunday following a 3-0 hammering at the hands of Tottenham. However, reports have emerged that the Dutchman will be given two games to save his job.
United have gone 12 without defeat against Portuguese clubs since a 2-1 defeat against Benfica in December 2005, winning nine times over that period. However, their recent away record in Europe is likely to be the key trend.
The Red Devils have scored three goals in each of their last three matches on the road in Europe, but have failed to win in any of the fixtures. Despite scoring nine times, United have allowed 14.
Porto Have Famous Previous Wins Against United
This is unlikely to be a fixture that Porto fear, as they have recorded iconic wins against United throughout European history.
The standout of those came in 2004, as Jose Mourinho’s iconic touchline sprint at Old Trafford came after a 3-2 aggregate success against United. Porto would later be crowned champions of Europe at the end of the season.
However, the latest clash between the sides in Portugal was won 1-0 by United following a stunning long-range effort by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008-09.
Porto’s recent home record is excellent after winning three on the bounce. Meanwhile, despite suffering defeat against Bodo/Glimt, Porto registered 28 shots, which was their most in a European match since March 2019.
Porto vs. Man United Prediction: Take the Value on the Home Win
Porto may have been wasteful in the final third in their matchday one clash in Norway, but there was enough evidence to suggest that they will cause a vulnerable United defense issues this week.
I can’t take United to win this match at such a short price given their recent struggles, and their defensive record in Europe is incredibly hard to overlook.
Therefore, it could be worth taking a chance on the value of the home win in the betting.
Pick:
- Porto (+188)
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