Manchester United’s Europa League campaign began with another setback as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by FC Twente at Old Trafford. This match marked a bittersweet reunion for manager Erik ten Hag, who faced his former club, hoping to guide his team to a much-needed victory after recent underwhelming performances. However, what started as a promising night soon turned into another evening of frustration, with Christian Eriksen’s early brilliance overshadowed by a costly mistake in the second half.
Ten Hag, who spent more than two decades with Twente as a player and coach, spoke before the match about his deep connection to the Dutch club. But any sentimental feelings quickly gave way to the harsh reality that United are still struggling to find consistency and control. With key Premier League fixtures and further European challenges on the horizon, the pressure continues to mount on the Manchester United boss.
Promising Start, Shocking Finish
The first half saw Manchester United initially struggle to impose themselves on the game. FC Twente, currently fourth in the Eredivisie, came to Old Trafford with no fear, passing the ball confidently and pushing the hosts back. Despite this, their early dominance resulted in few clear-cut chances, although Sam Lammers came close to putting Twente ahead with a guided effort that narrowly missed the target in the 7th minute.
Manchester United’s response was slow to materialize, with Erik ten Hag seen pacing and gesturing from the touchline, urging his players to communicate more effectively. However, a moment of fortune almost broke the deadlock for United in the 25th minute when Twente defender Mees Hilgers nearly scored an own goal, only for goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall to make a superb save.
The breakthrough finally came in the 35th minute when Christian Eriksen, ever the reliable playmaker, capitalized on a loose ball just outside the box. His powerful, thunderous strike left Unnerstall with no chance, giving United a deserved 1-0 lead. The goal was Eriksen’s third of the season, following his brace in the 7-0 demolition of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. At this moment, it looked like United might secure a comfortable win and begin their Europa League journey on the right foot.
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Eriksen’s Hero to Villain Moment
However, Manchester United’s lead failed to settle the nerves, and the home side began the second half looking disjointed and passive. Their lack of control and cohesion in the midfield allowed Twente to stay in the game, and it was only a matter of time before they took advantage of United’s growing fragility.
The turning point came in the 68th minute when Christian Eriksen, the hero of the first half, became the villain of the second. In a moment of carelessness, the Danish midfielder lost possession in a dangerous area, gifting the ball to Bart Van Rooij. Twente’s right-back surged forward and finished confidently, slipping the ball past United goalkeeper Andre Onana at his near post to level the score at 1-1.
Harry Maguire megged and Eriksen dispossessed en route to Twente’s equaliser pic.twitter.com/BDsKs0qF5b
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 25, 2024
It was a moment that exposed United’s underlying issues – a lack of composure, defensive lapses, and an inability to maintain control in key moments. Eriksen’s mistake may have been the most glaring, but it was symptomatic of the wider problems that continue to plague Erik ten Hag’s side.
United’s Fragility Exposed
As the final whistle blew, the 3,500 FC Twente fans erupted in celebration in the corner of Old Trafford, leaving Erik ten Hag and Manchester United with more questions than answers. Despite having the talent to dominate games like these, United once again showed they lack the clinical edge and defensive stability needed to see out a victory.
For Ten Hag, the result was especially painful, not just because it came against his former club, but because it highlighted how much work still needs to be done to get United back to their best. After a disappointing 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, this was a chance to restore confidence and build momentum. Instead, it turned into another night of frustration for the Red Devils.
⚠️ Manchester United have won just one of their last nine games in Europe!
Five defeats, three draws and one win vs Copenhagen at home under Erik ten Hag. pic.twitter.com/BACcEK8oBV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 25, 2024
Key Players Fail to Deliver
Several key players for Manchester United struggled to make an impact on the game. Marcus Rashford, who has been in excellent form this season, was unable to influence proceedings as much as he would have liked, despite delivering a good cross to Joshua Zirkzee in the first half, which went unconverted. Zirkzee himself had a quiet game, failing to make the most of the limited opportunities presented to him.
Meanwhile, in defense, Lisandro Martinez’s unnecessary foul before the hour mark put United under pressure, with Andre Onana needing to make a fine save to deny Sem Steijn from the resulting free-kick. The lapses in concentration across the pitch ultimately cost United dearly.
What’s Next for United?
With this result, Manchester United’s Europa League campaign has gotten off to a shaky start, leaving them needing a strong response in their next match against Porto. Ten Hag now faces the difficult task of restoring confidence to his players ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
This includes a key Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, where United will need to put on a much more convincing performance. Following that, they travel to Portugal to face Porto and then visit Aston Villa in the Premier League – a daunting schedule that could define their season.
For Erik ten Hag, these next few games will be critical. The fans’ patience is wearing thin, and United’s inconsistent form, both in the league and in Europe, has put the Dutch manager under the microscope. Should United continue to falter, questions about his future will only grow louder as the international break approaches.
