Manchester United sent a scout to watch Manchester City beat Porto 2-0 this week, just days before facing Enzo Maresca’s side themselves.
The Red Devils had a representative there, alongside scouts from 17 other foreign clubs. Manchester United play City this weekend, so having someone at the Dragão could have been part of their preparation for the game.
However, it’s likelier related to recruitment, with the Premier League side linked with multiple Porto players over the past year.
Plenty to watch on the Porto side
Diogo Costa was the player who made the biggest impression. City dominated and Erling Haaland scored both goals, but the 2-0 scoreline was actually pretty kind to Porto.
Costa was the main reason for that. Maintaining his World Cup form, he produced an excellent performance and repeatedly frustrated Maresca’s side. By half-time, it was fair to say he already prevented two or three clear goals.
For a United scout, it was a pretty decent demonstration of what the Portugal international can do against elite Premier League opposition. And he was already linked to United last year.
Gabri Veiga also had a good night despite Porto spending plenty of time without the ball. The Spaniard worked particularly hard defensively, chasing City’s midfielders and trying to win possession back. When Porto did get the ball, he wasn’t always given much help to make something happen.
Pepê and William Gomes were other interesting names available to watch. But all four belong closer to the more expensive end of Porto’s squad. Gomes has been repeatedly linked this year.
