'Looked miles off': ESPN reporter slams two United stars who lost 7 aerial duels vs Porto yesterday

ESPN reporter Mark Ogden reacted to the performance of two Manchester United stars following the 3-3 Europa League draw against Porto last night.

The Red Devils raced into a 2-0 lead after just 20 minutes, but they were unable to hold onto their advantage. Porto pulled level before the interval.

The hosts took the lead early in the second half, but United grabbed a point after Harry Maguire headed home a late stoppage-time equaliser.

Matthijs de Ligt had a forgettable night in the heart of the defence. He was easily outsmarted by Samu Omorodion for the second and third goals.

Lisandro Martinez did not cover himself in glory either. The Argentine was outpaced by the opposition in the lead-up to two goals conceded at the Estadio do Dragao.

Speaking after the stalemate, Ogden said that manager Erik ten Hag was fortunate that Maguire secured a late point for United.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It is hard to say he put on Harry Maguire to score a goal? It rolled for Erik ten Hag tonight – he got lucky.

“When we have a bit of reflection on this – it was basketball style.

“Did he take off Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez to save them for Aston Villa? They looked miles off it.”

De Ligt and Martinez had a passing accuracy of more than 90 percent last night, but they were caught out aerially with Omorodion’s prowess in the box.

The centre-back duo lost seven aerial duels against Porto. It will be interesting to see whether manager Erik ten Hag starts them together on Sunday afternoon.

United face a tough challenge at Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Ollie Watkins is a menace for opposition strikers with his presence in the box, and Jhon Duran could also start amid his stellar form off the bench.

Maguire should be reintroduced into the starting XI ahead of De Ligt, who looked uncomfortable and nervous in dealing with Omorodion’s presence.

Stats from Sofascore.com.