“I won’t lie, If Erik ten Hag start that particular player then we’re finished…All my players are scared of him”: Fc Porto coach says Man United has a player who’s feared by half of his squad

HusseinOctober 2, 2024Last Updated: October 2, 2024

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Porto boss Vitor Bruno says it would be a mistake for his side to underestimate Manchester United – despite their current crisis.

United head into tonight’s Europa League tie away to Porto with the future of boss Erik ten Hag on the line after a miserable start to the season.

Ten Hag’s side are down in 13th place in the Premier League after three defeats from their opening six games, while they began their Europa League campaign with an insipid 1-1 draw with FC Twente at Old Trafford.

Against that backdrop, Ten Hag’s future is likely to hinge on their next two games – against Porto and away to Aston Villa on Sunday.

But Porto boss Bruno said it would be wrong for him and his players to think they will have an easy ride when they host the fallen giants in Estadio Dragao.

“I’ve heard a lot of people saying that he [Ten Hag] was coming with a rope around his neck, but it would be a huge mistake [to underestimate United],” said Bruno.

“We are talking about world-class players. If you tell a different story, it doesn’t relate to the truth. Any club has problems, but we have to be on our toes and very alert.

“It’s going to be very hard. Utd are 13th in the Premier League, but let’s see how things turn out. Ten Hag says he always has titles at the end of the year.

“We are are talking about amazing, exciting players. Maybe they are not having their best moment, but we have to know where the danger is coming from and have the right state of mind.”

Asked if it was a good time to play United, Bruno said: “I know what you mean, talking about the last match. But no, not at all. Exactly the opposite. We always see them as a threat. This is not a good point to take them on.

“I don’t know Ten Hag. I haven’t met him yet, but I would love to. In Portugal, if you lose one match you are almost dead. ‘There is a coach here, Carlos Carvahal, who was in the Premier League and Championship.

“He says in England the coaches have a cup of wine together after the match. If Ten Hag wants, the dressing-room is open for him.”