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Maguire salvages draw for Man United at Porto after Fernandes sent off again in Europa League

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Maguire salvages draw for Man United at Porto after Fernandes sent off again in Europa League
News

News

Maguire salvages draw for Man United at Porto after Fernandes sent off again in Europa League

2024-10-04 05:54 Last Updated At:06:01

Manchester United narrowly avoided another embarrassing defeat as substitute Harry Maguire headed in an injury-time equalizer to salvage a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League on Thursday after Erik ten Hag's team had given up an early 2-0 lead and seen Bruno Fernandes sent off for a second straight game.

Fernandes was shown a second booking in the 81st minute for a high boot that caught defender Nehuen Perez as he tried to connect with a cross into the box.

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Fiorentina's Lucas Beltran, centre, fights for the ball with The New Saints's Daniel Davies during the Conference League soccer match between Fiorentina and The New Saints at Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy, Thurday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via AP)

Fiorentina's Lucas Beltran, centre, fights for the ball with The New Saints's Daniel Davies during the Conference League soccer match between Fiorentina and The New Saints at Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy, Thurday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via AP)

Fiorentina's Moise Kean, second from left, scores his side's goal during the Conference League soccer match between Fiorentina and The New Saints at Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy, Thurday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via AP)

Fiorentina's Moise Kean, second from left, scores his side's goal during the Conference League soccer match between Fiorentina and The New Saints at Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy, Thurday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via AP)

Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca embraces Chelsea's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall after the Europa Conference League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and Gent at Stamford Bridge in London, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca embraces Chelsea's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall after the Europa Conference League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and Gent at Stamford Bridge in London, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the Europa Conference League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and Gent at Stamford Bridge in London, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the Europa Conference League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and Gent at Stamford Bridge in London, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Elfsborg's Michael Baidoo celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during an UEFA Europa League soccer match between IF Elfsborg and AS Roma at Boras Arena in Boras, Sweden, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Bjorn Larsson Rosvall/TT News Agency via AP)

Elfsborg's Michael Baidoo celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during an UEFA Europa League soccer match between IF Elfsborg and AS Roma at Boras Arena in Boras, Sweden, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Bjorn Larsson Rosvall/TT News Agency via AP)

Eintracht Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kaua Santos, background, blocks a shot by Besiktas' Rafa Silva during to the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Besiktas and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Besiktas stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Eintracht Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kaua Santos, background, blocks a shot by Besiktas' Rafa Silva during to the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Besiktas and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Besiktas stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Eintracht Frankfurt's Omar Marmoush, left, attempts a shot at goal next to Besiktas' Gabriel Paulista during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Besiktas and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Besiktas stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Eintracht Frankfurt's Omar Marmoush, left, attempts a shot at goal next to Besiktas' Gabriel Paulista during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Besiktas and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Besiktas stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Manchester United's Casemiro, right, has a shot saved by Porto's goalkeeper Diogo Costa during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's Casemiro, right, has a shot saved by Porto's goalkeeper Diogo Costa during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes leaves the pitch after being shown a second yellow card during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes leaves the pitch after being shown a second yellow card during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, right, reaches for the ball too high and close to the head of Porto's Nehuen Perez to see a second yellow card and be sent off, during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, right, reaches for the ball too high and close to the head of Porto's Nehuen Perez to see a second yellow card and be sent off, during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's Harry Maguire, foreground right, scores his side's third goal during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's Harry Maguire, foreground right, scores his side's third goal during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Legia Warsaw's Luquinhas fights for the ball with Real's Johnny Cardoso, top, during the Europa League soccer match between Legia Warsaw and Betis in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Legia Warsaw's Luquinhas fights for the ball with Real's Johnny Cardoso, top, during the Europa League soccer match between Legia Warsaw and Betis in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Legia Warsaw Steve Kapuadi, center, celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during the Europa League soccer match between Legia Warsaw and Real Betis in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Legia Warsaw Steve Kapuadi, center, celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during the Europa League soccer match between Legia Warsaw and Real Betis in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Heidenheim's Adrian Beck scores the opening goal past Ljubljana's goalkeeper Matevz Vidovsek during the Europa League soccer match between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Dynamo Kiev at PreZero Arena in Sinsheim, Germany, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Uwe Anspach/dpa via AP)

Heidenheim's Adrian Beck scores the opening goal past Ljubljana's goalkeeper Matevz Vidovsek during the Europa League soccer match between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Dynamo Kiev at PreZero Arena in Sinsheim, Germany, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Uwe Anspach/dpa via AP)

Anderlecht's Mario Stroeykens reacts as he lies on the ground during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Real Sociedad and Anderlecht at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)

Anderlecht's Mario Stroeykens reacts as he lies on the ground during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Real Sociedad and Anderlecht at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)

Real Sociedad's goalkeeper Alex Remiro reaches for the ball over Anderlecht's Luis Vazquez to make a save during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Real Sociedad and Anderlecht at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)

Real Sociedad's goalkeeper Alex Remiro reaches for the ball over Anderlecht's Luis Vazquez to make a save during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Real Sociedad and Anderlecht at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)

Real Sociedad's Nayef Aguerd, left, and Anderlecht's Luis Vazquez go for a header during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Real Sociedad and Anderlecht at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)

Real Sociedad's Nayef Aguerd, left, and Anderlecht's Luis Vazquez go for a header during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Real Sociedad and Anderlecht at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)

Olympiacos' Santiago Hezze celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Olympiacos and SC Braga at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium at Athens' port of Piraeus, Greece, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Olympiacos' Santiago Hezze celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Olympiacos and SC Braga at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium at Athens' port of Piraeus, Greece, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Nice's Jeremie Boga scores during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Lazio and Nice at Rome's Olympic stadium, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Fabrizio Corradetti/LaPresse via AP)

Nice's Jeremie Boga scores during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Lazio and Nice at Rome's Olympic stadium, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Fabrizio Corradetti/LaPresse via AP)

Lazio's Mattia Zaccagni, left, scores from penalty the fourth goal against Nice during an Europa League opening phase soccer match between Lazio and Nice, at Rome's Olympic Stadium, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Lazio's Mattia Zaccagni, left, scores from penalty the fourth goal against Nice during an Europa League opening phase soccer match between Lazio and Nice, at Rome's Olympic Stadium, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Tottenham's goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario makes a save during the Europa League soccer match between Ferencvaros and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Tottenham's goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario makes a save during the Europa League soccer match between Ferencvaros and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Supporters fire flares during the Europa League soccer match between Ferencvaros and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Supporters fire flares during the Europa League soccer match between Ferencvaros and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Tottenham's Pape Matar Sarr celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Europa League soccer match between Ferencvaros and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Tottenham's Pape Matar Sarr celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Europa League soccer match between Ferencvaros and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Tottenham's Pape Matar Sarr, centre left, scores his side's opening goal during the Europa League soccer match between Ferencvaros and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Tottenham's Pape Matar Sarr, centre left, scores his side's opening goal during the Europa League soccer match between Ferencvaros and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

“We started the game very good, we dominated, we scored two good goals but then we lost control,” Ten Hag said. "The middle part was no good and then we finished very good. ... We got the equalizer so it is good for the spirit.”

Fernandes had been shown a straight read in a 3-0 loss to Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday that upped the pressure on Ten Hag. And the Dutch manager seemed to be in more trouble when United gave up an early 2-0 lead to trail 3-2 when Pepê produced a cross from the right for his fellow forward Samu to fire his second and goal high into the net five minutes into the second half.

But Maguire headed home a corner in the first minute of injury time to salvage a point for United, which now has two draws in the league phase and has failed to win any of its last four games in all competitions.

United couldn't have asked for a better start in Portugal, though. Christian Eriksen teed up Marcus Rashford, who showed great footwork to burst into the area before beating goalkeeper Diogo Costa with a low strike into the bottom left-hand corner of the net in the seventh minute.

Eriksen was involved in the second 13 minutes later, too, as he started the move in the middle before finding Rashford to set up Rasmus Højlund, who unleased a powerful blast inside the near post for his first goal of the season.

But Porto came right back as Pepê and Samu headed in goals within seven minutes of each other to level the score before the break.

Earlier, a youthful Tottenham side maintained a perfect record with a 2-1 victory away at Ferencváros , while Lazio also made it two wins out of two by routing Nice 4-1 at home.

Pape Sarr gave Tottenham the lead midway through the first half when he reacted quickly to a loose ball in the area and slotted it into the net with a right-foot shot for his second goal in two games in the second-tier European competition.

Brennan Johnson came on as substitute in the second half and scored the second four minutes from time with a left-footed strike off the far post. It was the fifth goal in five games in all competitions for the Wales international.

Parnabas Varga pulled one back for Ferencváros in the final minute.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou made seven changes to the team that beat United at Old Trafford. Four teenagers started for Spurs, with the 19-year-old Will Lankshear making his senior debut and 17-year-old teammate Mikey Moore making his first start.

In torrential rain at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Taty Castellano scored twice for Lazio, first making it 2-0 in the first half by lobbing the ball over goalkeeper Marcin Bulka in a one-on-one situation and then makin it 3-1 in the second half with a shot into the roof of the net.

Lyon also has two wins after beating Rangers 4-1 in Glasgow, with forward Alexandre Lacazette and Malick Fofana scoring two goals apiece.

Dutch side Twente that upset Manchester United 1-1 at Old Trafford last week, held also José Mourinho‘s Fenerbahce 1-1 at home.

Captain Michael Baidoo scored from the spot and Swedish club Elfsborg upset Roma 1-0. New Roma coach Ivan Jurić remains with a win in the competition.

Substitute Tomáš Chorý headed in a second-half equalizer for Slavia to hold Ajax to a 1-1 draw in Prague. Ajax went ahead after Branco van den Boomen sent Slavia goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot in the 18th. The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 75th after defender Youri Baas received his second yellow card.

Anderlecht came from a goal down to beat Real Sociedad 2-1 away, with Theo Leoni scoring the winner late in the first half.

Ayoub El Kaabi scored two and Santiago Hezze added another one for last year’s Conference League winner Olympiacos to beat visiting Braga 3-0.

Hoffenheim, which is struggling in the Bundesliga, recorded a 2-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv.

Eintracht Frankfurt, the 2022 Europa League winners, scored two first half goal within three minutes on the way to a 3-1 away victory at Besiktas.

Chelsea made a winning debut in the third-tier Conference League as Renato Veiga, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall all scored in a 4-2 win over Belgium’s Gent at Stamford Bridge.

Fiorentina, which reached the final in the last two seasons, beat Welsh side New Saints 2-0.

In a couple of high-scoring games, Cercle Brugge routed St. Gallen 6-2 after a hat trick from Kevin Denkey, and Omonoia beat Vikingur Reykjavík 4-0 at home in Cyprus.

Legia Warsaw edged Real Betis 1-0.

Scottish side Hearts traveled a long way to Sumgayit, Azerbaijan, to take home a 2-1 victory over Belarusian champion Dinamo Minsk.

UEFA banned Russian clubs from all its events over the country’s invasion of Ukraine but has allowed Belarusian teams to keep playing despite the country’s support of Russia, as long as the games are hosted outside of Belarus without a crowd.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Fiorentina's Lucas Beltran, centre, fights for the ball with The New Saints's Daniel Davies during the Conference League soccer match between Fiorentina and The New Saints at Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy, Thurday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via AP)

Fiorentina's Lucas Beltran, centre, fights for the ball with The New Saints's Daniel Davies during the Conference League soccer match between Fiorentina and The New Saints at Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy, Thurday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via AP)

Fiorentina's Moise Kean, second from left, scores his side's goal during the Conference League soccer match between Fiorentina and The New Saints at Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy, Thurday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via AP)

Fiorentina's Moise Kean, second from left, scores his side's goal during the Conference League soccer match between Fiorentina and The New Saints at Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy, Thurday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via AP)

Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca embraces Chelsea's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall after the Europa Conference League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and Gent at Stamford Bridge in London, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca embraces Chelsea's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall after the Europa Conference League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and Gent at Stamford Bridge in London, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the Europa Conference League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and Gent at Stamford Bridge in London, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the Europa Conference League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and Gent at Stamford Bridge in London, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Elfsborg's Michael Baidoo celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during an UEFA Europa League soccer match between IF Elfsborg and AS Roma at Boras Arena in Boras, Sweden, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Bjorn Larsson Rosvall/TT News Agency via AP)

Elfsborg's Michael Baidoo celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during an UEFA Europa League soccer match between IF Elfsborg and AS Roma at Boras Arena in Boras, Sweden, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Bjorn Larsson Rosvall/TT News Agency via AP)

Eintracht Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kaua Santos, background, blocks a shot by Besiktas' Rafa Silva during to the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Besiktas and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Besiktas stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Eintracht Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kaua Santos, background, blocks a shot by Besiktas' Rafa Silva during to the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Besiktas and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Besiktas stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Eintracht Frankfurt's Omar Marmoush, left, attempts a shot at goal next to Besiktas' Gabriel Paulista during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Besiktas and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Besiktas stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Eintracht Frankfurt's Omar Marmoush, left, attempts a shot at goal next to Besiktas' Gabriel Paulista during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Besiktas and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Besiktas stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Manchester United's Casemiro, right, has a shot saved by Porto's goalkeeper Diogo Costa during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's Casemiro, right, has a shot saved by Porto's goalkeeper Diogo Costa during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes leaves the pitch after being shown a second yellow card during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes leaves the pitch after being shown a second yellow card during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, right, reaches for the ball too high and close to the head of Porto's Nehuen Perez to see a second yellow card and be sent off, during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, right, reaches for the ball too high and close to the head of Porto's Nehuen Perez to see a second yellow card and be sent off, during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's Harry Maguire, foreground right, scores his side's third goal during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Manchester United's Harry Maguire, foreground right, scores his side's third goal during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

Legia Warsaw's Luquinhas fights for the ball with Real's Johnny Cardoso, top, during the Europa League soccer match between Legia Warsaw and Betis in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Legia Warsaw's Luquinhas fights for the ball with Real's Johnny Cardoso, top, during the Europa League soccer match between Legia Warsaw and Betis in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Legia Warsaw Steve Kapuadi, center, celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during the Europa League soccer match between Legia Warsaw and Real Betis in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Legia Warsaw Steve Kapuadi, center, celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during the Europa League soccer match between Legia Warsaw and Real Betis in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Heidenheim's Adrian Beck scores the opening goal past Ljubljana's goalkeeper Matevz Vidovsek during the Europa League soccer match between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Dynamo Kiev at PreZero Arena in Sinsheim, Germany, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Uwe Anspach/dpa via AP)

Heidenheim's Adrian Beck scores the opening goal past Ljubljana's goalkeeper Matevz Vidovsek during the Europa League soccer match between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Dynamo Kiev at PreZero Arena in Sinsheim, Germany, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Uwe Anspach/dpa via AP)

Anderlecht's Mario Stroeykens reacts as he lies on the ground during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Real Sociedad and Anderlecht at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)

Anderlecht's Mario Stroeykens reacts as he lies on the ground during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Real Sociedad and Anderlecht at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)

Real Sociedad's goalkeeper Alex Remiro reaches for the ball over Anderlecht's Luis Vazquez to make a save during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Real Sociedad and Anderlecht at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)

Real Sociedad's goalkeeper Alex Remiro reaches for the ball over Anderlecht's Luis Vazquez to make a save during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Real Sociedad and Anderlecht at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)

Real Sociedad's Nayef Aguerd, left, and Anderlecht's Luis Vazquez go for a header during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Real Sociedad and Anderlecht at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)

Real Sociedad's Nayef Aguerd, left, and Anderlecht's Luis Vazquez go for a header during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Real Sociedad and Anderlecht at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)

Olympiacos' Santiago Hezze celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Olympiacos and SC Braga at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium at Athens' port of Piraeus, Greece, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Olympiacos' Santiago Hezze celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Olympiacos and SC Braga at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium at Athens' port of Piraeus, Greece, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Nice's Jeremie Boga scores during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Lazio and Nice at Rome's Olympic stadium, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Fabrizio Corradetti/LaPresse via AP)

Nice's Jeremie Boga scores during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Lazio and Nice at Rome's Olympic stadium, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Fabrizio Corradetti/LaPresse via AP)

Lazio's Mattia Zaccagni, left, scores from penalty the fourth goal against Nice during an Europa League opening phase soccer match between Lazio and Nice, at Rome's Olympic Stadium, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Lazio's Mattia Zaccagni, left, scores from penalty the fourth goal against Nice during an Europa League opening phase soccer match between Lazio and Nice, at Rome's Olympic Stadium, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Tottenham's goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario makes a save during the Europa League soccer match between Ferencvaros and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Tottenham's goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario makes a save during the Europa League soccer match between Ferencvaros and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Supporters fire flares during the Europa League soccer match between Ferencvaros and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Supporters fire flares during the Europa League soccer match between Ferencvaros and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Tottenham's Pape Matar Sarr celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Europa League soccer match between Ferencvaros and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Tottenham's Pape Matar Sarr celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Europa League soccer match between Ferencvaros and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Tottenham's Pape Matar Sarr, centre left, scores his side's opening goal during the Europa League soccer match between Ferencvaros and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Tottenham's Pape Matar Sarr, centre left, scores his side's opening goal during the Europa League soccer match between Ferencvaros and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The person inside the Tesla Cybertruck that burst into flames outside President-elect Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel suffered a gunshot to the head before the explosion, officials said Thursday.

Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said at a news conference that a handgun was found at the feet of the man who's been identified as Matthew Livelsberger. Officials believe the shot was self-inflicted.

Livelsberger served in the Green Berets, highly trained special forces who work to counter terrorism abroad and train partners, the Army said in a statement. He had served in the Army since 2006, rising through the ranks with a long career of overseas assignments, deploying twice to Afghanistan and serving in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia and Congo, the Army said.

He was awarded two Bronze Stars, including one with a valor device for courage under fire, a combat infantry badge and an Army Commendation Medal with valor. Livelsberger was on approved leave when he died, according to the statement.

The FBI said Thursday in a post on X that it was “conducting law enforcement activity” at a home in Colorado Springs related to Wednesday's explosion but provided no other details.

The explosion of the truck, packed with firework mortars and camp fuel canisters, came hours after 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar rammed a truck into a crowd in New Orleans’ famed French Quarter early on New Year’s Day, killing at least 15 people before being shot to death by police. That crash was being investigated as a terrorist attack. The FBI said Thursday that they believe Jabbar acted alone, reversing its position from a day earlier that he likely worked with others.

Both Livelsberger and Jabbar spent time at the base formerly known as Fort Bragg, a massive Army base in North Carolina that is home to multiple Army special operations units. However, one of the officials who spoke to the AP said there is no overlap in their assignments at the base, now called Fort Liberty.

Chris Raia, FBI deputy assistant director, said Thursday that officials have found ‘no definitive link’ between the New Orleans attack and the truck explosion in Las Vegas.

Seven people nearby suffered minor injuries when the Tesla truck exploded. Video showed a tumble of charred fireworks mortars, canisters and other explosive devices crowded into the back of the pickup. The truck bed walls were still intact because the blast shot straight up rather than to the sides.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said Wednesday afternoon on X that “we have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself."

"All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion,” Musk wrote.

Musk has recently become a member of Trump’s inner circle. Neither Trump nor Musk was in Las Vegas early Wednesday. Both had attended Trump’s New Year’s Eve party at his South Florida estate.

Authorities know who rented the truck with the Turo app in Colorado, Kevin McMahill, the elected sheriff of Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, said Wednesday. He did not release the person’s ID, however.

Copp, Richer and Long contributed from Washington.

Investigators enter a townhouse in northeastern Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, as the investigation connected to the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside President-elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel continues. (Christian Murdock/The Gazette via AP)

Investigators enter a townhouse in northeastern Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, as the investigation connected to the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside President-elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel continues. (Christian Murdock/The Gazette via AP)

Investigators stand outside a townhouse complex in northeastern Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, as the investigation connected to the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside President-elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel continues. (Christian Murdock/The Gazette via AP)

Investigators stand outside a townhouse complex in northeastern Colorado Springs, Colo., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, as the investigation connected to the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside President-elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel continues. (Christian Murdock/The Gazette via AP)

Police block the area after a vehicle caught fire and exploded outside the lobby of President-elect Donald Trump's hotel Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

Police block the area after a vehicle caught fire and exploded outside the lobby of President-elect Donald Trump's hotel Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

Police block the area after a vehicle caught fire and exploded outside the lobby of President-elect Donald Trump's hotel Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

Police block the area after a vehicle caught fire and exploded outside the lobby of President-elect Donald Trump's hotel Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

Police block the area after a vehicle caught fire and exploded outside the lobby of President-elect Donald Trump's hotel Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

Police block the area after a vehicle caught fire and exploded outside the lobby of President-elect Donald Trump's hotel Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

Police block the area after a vehicle caught fire and exploded outside the lobby of President-elect Donald Trump's hotel Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

Police block the area after a vehicle caught fire and exploded outside the lobby of President-elect Donald Trump's hotel Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

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