Maguire's Last-Minute Header Saves United in Europa League Thriller

In a dramatic Europa League clash, Manchester United secured a 3-3 draw against FC Porto. Harry Maguire's stoppage-time header saved the team after Porto's Samu Omorodion seemed to have sealed victory. Despite being reduced to 10 men, United showed resilience following Bruno Fernandes' dismissal.

Manchester United clinched a valuable point against FC Porto in a Europa League thriller, thanks to a stoppage-time header by Harry Maguire. The tense encounter unfolded on Friday, with Erik ten Hag's squad piercing the defense of Porto's captain and goal minder Diogo Costa twice, courtesy of Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund's strikes.

Porto quickly retaliated with headers from Pepe and Samu Omorodion before halftime and appeared poised for victory when Omorodion struck again early in the second half. Bruno Fernandes' red card for the second straight game left United with just 10 men, seemingly headed for defeat. Yet, the team showed commendable grit, replicating their earlier escape against FC Twente, as substitute Maguire's aerial ability rescued a 3-3 draw.

The first half was a rollercoaster, starting with United seizing the lead after weathering initial Porto attacks. Andre Onana quickly found himself tested by a Galeno attempt. Despite staunch defenses, ten Hag's men pressed on, leading Porto to narrowly avoid two own goals. A Ze Pedro near-miss from a Rashford cross heightened tensions, and a following clearance nearly resulted in another Porto blunder.

United's advantage doubled when Eriksen and Rashford set up Hojlund, whose shot slipped through Costa's grasp, crossing the line pre-clearance. Rashford kept pressing, forcing Costa into a key save with another audacious shot. The game pivoted as Noussair Mazraoui's risky header demanded an Onana save, only for Pepe to respond smartly with a follow-up goal. Omorodion then evened the score with a Joao Mario-assisted header.

Despite losing steam, United produced various chances. Amad's deflected shot clinched a corner, and Costa was on high alert against Casemiro post-Hojlund pass from a Fernandes cross, while Rashford's resolute effort ended in congestion. His second-half absence was profound, evidenced by Francisco Moura's denied breakthrough by Onana.

Porto gained the upper hand when Pepe outmaneuvered Lisandro Martinez to tee up Omorodion for his brace. Ten Hag's strategy shift introduced Joshua Zirkzee and Antony, though fortune evaded United amid Costa's crucial save against Matthijs de Ligt and a Zirkzee-Casemiro mismatch.

Fernandes' ejection for a contentious high boot while targeting a Garnacho cross reduced United once more, but Onana's denial of Deniz Gul bolstered hopes. Garnacho's near-miss led to another Costa spectacle, yet the Red Devils pressed on. In the final seconds, Eriksen's well-placed corner found Maguire, whose header assured a thrilling 3-3 stalemate. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)