Harry Maguire blames Man Utd team-mates and not Erik ten Hag after Porto collapse

Erik ten Hag is under enormous pressure as Manchester United manager following his team’s meltdown from 2-0 up against Porto, but Harry Maguire believes the players should shoulder the responsibility.

Harry Maguire has argued that his Manchester United teammates, not Erik ten Hag, are to blame for the gaps in focus that continue to cost them.

United squandered a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Porto in a thrilling Europa League match that also saw captain Bruno Fernandes sent off for the second time in five days. Within 20 minutes, the away side was 2-0 up thanks to strikes from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund before losing momentum.

Porto’s Pepe equalized, but Samu Omorodion twice beat Matthijs de Ligt from close range to score it 3-2 for the hosts. Erik ten Hag made an unusual substitute in the 79th minute, replacing De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez with defenders Maguire and Jonny Evans, but was rewarded when the former captain headed in Christian Eriksen’s late corner to win a draw.

Maguire spent the majority of the game on the bench, but was called up to start when United’s losing streak had reached four games in all competitions. When asked how they let their advantage slip away, he told TNT Sports: “I believe when you’re 2-0 up away from home in a location like this, you’ve got to be a little more solid and a little more secure.

There were definitely too many spaces and crosses going into the area. I believe five or six dangerous balls entered the area in the first half, and we were eventually punished for them. We performed effectively with the ball in the first half but struggled without it.”

Maguire continued, “It’s more likely a mental issue. I believe it is something that we must conquer. It most likely starts with belief. When we go 2-0 up and then concede, does the boys’ conviction in their ability to win the game diminish?

“It is something we should be aware of and work on. We must ensure that when we concede, we come together, regroup, and stay together, since that is an element of football that we must improve.”When asked if the team lacked belief, he responded, “You can discuss leadership. I believe that is a simple term to throw out. The lads on the pitch have definitely banded together; they must understand that this has occurred far too many times. They must understand that every time we concede, we must reset and concentrate, returning to the game plan that propelled us to the lead in the first place.

“It’s something we need to work on, and we’ll talk about it with the players. If we want to be successful, we can’t keep allowing goals in as many minutes as we have this season.

The outcome puts further pressure on Ten Hag, but Maguire dismissed any speculation that the Dutchman might lose his position. “I’ve played for this club for six years so I know how it works,” he joked. “When you have a terrible run, not only do the players but even the manager feel the strain. He’s had enough experience in the game and at this club to know how to cope with it. It comes with the territory of playing or managing for this club. It’s part of your privilege.