Sporting finished runners-up to Benfica in Portugal's top flight last term under the stewardship of Leonardo Jardim.
However, Jardim departed the club in June to take the vacant position at Ligue 1 outfit Monaco, while utility man Eric Dier also left to join Tottenham.
Several other stars including William Carvalho and Marcos Rojo have also been linked with a move away from Estadio Jose Alvalade.
It looked as though Sporting would have some respite in Marco Silva's league debut as head coach when Andre Carrillo put the visitors into a 1-0 lead after 15 minutes at Estadio Efapel.
However, the visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute when Carvalho was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
Sporting looked destined to hold on to their slender advantage, but their hopes were dashed in second-half injury time when Rafael Lopes levelled for the hosts.
In Saturday's other encounter, a double from Hernani helped Vitoria Guimaraes win 3-1 at Gil Vicente.
Bernard Mensah was also on the scoresheet for the visitors, while Evaldo bagged a late consolation for Gil Vicente.
‘Ruben Amorim could have waited for Real Madrid and had a better chance to be successful – to have joined Manchester United, he must be convinced in his own ability’ Former Old Trafford coach’s verdict on new boss
‘After Manchester City’s recent form, maybe they’re the underdogs against Manchester United!’ Former Red Devils defender on this weekend’s derby
