Football
Manchester United Boast Strong Record Against Portuguese Sides May Give Erik Ten Hag Brief Respite
Louis is a Sports Editor specialising in football news and features. He graduated from the University of Derby in 2023 with a Bachelors Degree in Football Journalism and has produced content for Burton Albion and Chesterfield.
Get to know louisfargher betterPublished19 hours ago on October 03, 2024
Manchester United have not lost against a Portuguese side since December 2005, with the record suggesting that Erik ten Hag may get some reprieve from the current scrutiny.
The Manchester United managed has come under huge criticism in recent weeks, after a run of poor results in the Europa League and Premier League.
Ten Hag’s side were destroyed in their most recent Premier League clash, as Tottenham Hotspur eased to a 3-0 win at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke.
United also put in a disappointing performance in their last European fixture, being held to a 1-1 draw with FC Twente at home.
The Red Devils are now looking forward to another European clash, as they travel to Portugal to face Porto at the Estadio do Dragao.
When looking at United’s record against Portuguese sides, the stats suggest that Erik ten Hag may find some fortune and respire in Portugal.
From their last 12 fixtures against clubs from Liga Portugal, United have stayed undefeated (9W & 3D) and you have to go back to December 2005 to find the last defeat.
However, Porto could prove to be a tough opposition for the Red Devils, as Vitor Bruno’s side have won six of their opening seven league matches.
Their Europa League campaign has not started as well, with the Portuguese side losing 3-2 to FK Bodo/Glimt in GW1.
Manchester United vs Portuguese Clubs (Last 12)
- 26.09.2006 (CL Group stage): SL Benfica 0-1 Manchester United
- 06.12.2006 (CL Group stage): Manchester United 3-1 SL Benfica
- 19.09.2007 (CL Group stage): Sporting CP 0-1 Manchester United
- 27.11.2007 (CL Group stage): Manchester United 2-1 Sporting CP
- 07.04.2009 (CL 1/4 Final): Manchester United 2-2 FC Porto
- 15.04.2009 (CL 1/4 Final): FC Porto 0-1 Manchester United
- 14.09.2011 (CL Group stage): SL Benfica 1-1 Manchester United
- 22.11.2011 (CL Group stage): Manchester United 2-2 SL Benfica
- 23.10.2012 (CL Group stage): Manchester United 3-2 Sporting de Braga
- 07.11.2012 (CL Group stage): Sporting de Braga 1-3 Manchester United
- 18.10.2017 (CL Group stage): SL Benfica 0-1 Manchester United
- 31.10.2017 (CL Group stage): Manchester United 2-0 SL Benfica