FC Porto’s head coach, Vitor Bruno, has issued a stern warning to his players ahead of their Europa League clash with Manchester United, urging them not to fall into the trap of underestimating the English club despite their current struggles. Manchester United, a team steeped in history and success, has found itself in a difficult position this season. As they prepare to face Porto, the pressure continues to mount on their manager, Erik ten Hag, whose rocky start to the campaign has sparked concerns over his future at Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s domestic form has been far from inspiring, as they languish in 13th place in the Premier League. After six matches, they have already suffered three defeats, a significant blow to their hopes of challenging for a top-four spot. Their woes extend beyond the league, as their Europa League campaign also got off to an uninspiring start with a 1-1 draw against FC Twente at home. This result, coupled with their Premier League struggles, has placed immense pressure on Ten Hag, who knows that the upcoming matches, including the one against Porto and a subsequent fixture against Aston Villa, could determine his fate at the club.
However, despite Manchester United’s poor form, Vitor Bruno remains cautious and believes it would be a monumental mistake for his team to approach the game with any sense of complacency. Speaking ahead of the encounter at Estadio Dragão, Bruno acknowledged the growing pressures on Ten Hag but was quick to dismiss the notion that Porto would have an easy game on their hands.
“There’s a lot of talk about Ten Hag being under pressure, and we’ve all seen their recent performances,” Bruno commented. “But to assume we’re going into a straightforward match would be a grave error. Manchester United is a club full of world-class players, and that can’t be ignored just because they’re going through a tough time.”
Bruno emphasized that every football club, no matter how prestigious, experiences rough patches. But he cautioned that United’s current struggles should not overshadow the fact that they possess a roster brimming with talent. “Yes, they may not be at their peak right now, but we’re still dealing with top-tier players who can turn a game in an instant. It’s our responsibility to stay alert and focused throughout the match, identifying the areas where they pose the greatest threat.”
The Porto coach also addressed the common belief that this is an ideal time to face Manchester United, given their poor form. But Bruno vehemently disagreed with this sentiment. “People keep suggesting that it’s a favorable time to play against United, but I don’t see it that way at all,” he said. “On the contrary, it’s often when a team is backed into a corner that they become most dangerous. We need to approach this game with the same level of intensity and seriousness as we would if they were flying high at the top of the Premier League.”
Vitor Bruno’s respect for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag was evident throughout his remarks. He stressed that while his side would be prepared for the game, they would not underestimate the challenge ahead. “We can’t afford to take anything for granted. There’s no such thing as an easy game against Manchester United. They have the quality, and it’s our job to be ready for that.”
In a more personal reflection, Bruno shared his admiration for the football culture in England compared to that in Portugal. While expressing his interest in meeting Ten Hag, he also drew attention to the differences in how coaches are treated in the two countries. “In Portugal, losing one match can feel like the end of the world for a coach, but in England, there’s more camaraderie. After the game, it’s common for coaches to share a drink, and I’d be more than happy to invite Ten Hag to join us after the match if he’s interested.”
Ultimately, Bruno’s message was clear: despite Manchester United’s turbulent form, they remain a formidable opponent, and Porto must be at their best to secure a positive result. His respect for the history and quality of the English club shines through, underscoring the seriousness with which he is approaching this crucial Europa
League fixture.