“This players don’t deserve to play for any team in the world. How did Erik ten Hag start this horrible players? We have better replacements for God’s sake”-Man Utd fans fumes as they demand two players who must be dropped after horrible performance against Porto and tell Erik ten Hag who should replace them
Manchester United supporters are voicing their discontent following a disorganized defensive display in the 3-3 Europa League draw against Porto. What initially seemed like a comfortable evening for the Red Devils quickly devolved into chaos, with two key defenders facing sharp criticism. Fans are now urging significant changes ahead of the club’s next Premier League clash.
United began the match strongly, surging to a 2-0 lead within the first 20 minutes, courtesy of a sharp finish from Marcus Rashford and a composed strike by Rasmus Hojlund. Erik ten Hag’s side appeared to be in control, but Porto soon exposed their defensive vulnerabilities. Veteran defender Pepe netted for Porto, energizing the home crowd, and 20-year-old forward Samu Omorodion took center stage, scoring twice to complete a dramatic comeback.
Omorodion, a rising talent formerly with Atletico Madrid, wreaked havoc on United’s defense. His speed, strength, and clever positioning left United’s central defenders, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt, struggling throughout the match. Once regarded as Ten Hag’s first-choice pairing, Martinez and De Ligt found themselves outmatched, and Omorodion’s brilliance led to several defensive collapses.
By the 77th minute, United had fallen behind 3-2, prompting Ten Hag to make a bold move. Frustrated with the performance of Martinez and De Ligt, he substituted both, bringing on Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans in a bid to steady the defense. Despite being a frequent target of criticism in recent seasons, Maguire came to United’s rescue, scoring a stoppage-time equalizer to secure a 3-3 draw and avoid further embarrassment.
Though Maguire’s late goal offered some relief, fans swiftly turned their attention to Martinez and De Ligt’s poor showing. Social media buzzed with calls for the duo to be dropped, with many clamoring for changes in the backline. With the possible return of Leny Yoro, a £52 million summer acquisition, supporters are hopeful that he can provide the defensive solidity the team has been lacking.
One frustrated fan wrote, “Chuckle brothers to start at Villa Park on Sunday. Drop De Ligt & Martinez.” The reference to the comedic duo highlighted fans’ growing impatience with their repeated mistakes. Another fan echoed this sentiment, stating, “De Ligt cannot start on Sunday. Martinez will be lucky to make the lineup,” signaling increasing demand for a defensive overhaul.
The calls for change continued, with a third fan insisting, “Get Leny Yoro back, man.” Yoro, who has been sidelined due to injury, is seen as a possible solution to United’s defensive issues. Another supporter was even more blunt, saying, “Leny Yoro can’t come back soon enough. First-choice pairing should be him and Maguire until Martinez and De Ligt get their act together.”
Remarkably, Maguire, often a target for criticism, found himself in the unusual position of receiving praise after his crucial goal. One fan even commented, “I need me a Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire partnership.” This shift in sentiment reflects the fans’ growing desperation for defensive improvements.
With pressure mounting, Erik ten Hag is well aware that his defensive selections for the next Premier League match, a trip to face Aston Villa at Villa Park, will be scrutinized closely. The question remains—will he persist with Martinez and De Ligt, or opt for a reshuffle to restore stability at the back?