Manchester United’s Europa League campaign got off to a rocky start as they were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Twente at Old Trafford.
Christian Eriksen went from hero to zero, opening the scoring for United before his mistake led to Twente’s equalizer.
This result marks yet another European opening match where United failed to secure a win, a trend that has persisted for four consecutive seasons.
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Manchester United began the game in full control, dominating possession and creating multiple opportunities. Erik ten Hag’s men looked sharp in the early stages, pressing FC Twente high up the pitch and forcing the Dutch side into defensive errors.
Their pressure paid off in the 34th minute when Christian Eriksen unleashed a clinical strike into the top corner, beating Twente goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall to make it 1-0.
Eriksen’s goal was a testament to his precision and composure, and it marked his sixth for Manchester United in all competitions.
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This milestone also saw Eriksen become only the third Danish player to score for Manchester United in major European competition, following in the footsteps of Peter Schmeichel and Rasmus Højlund.
Despite United’s control of the game, their lead was short-lived. In the 61st minute, Christian Eriksen, who had been United’s standout performer in the first half, made a costly error.
While in possession near the edge of United’s box, Eriksen lost the ball to FC Twente’s Sam Lammers. The Dutch striker made no mistake, slotting the ball past Andre Onana at the near post to equalize 1-1.
Eriksen’s mistake was a harsh reminder of how unforgiving European competition can be, even for the most experienced players.
While his goal had given Manchester United hope for a commanding win, his lapse in concentration allowed FC Twente back into the game.
Lammers’ equalizer completely shifted the momentum in Twente’s favor, and United struggled to break down their opponents for the remainder of the match.
The Danish playmaker, who has been integral to Manchester United’s midfield, will undoubtedly learn from the experience.
Despite his unfortunate error, Eriksen remains a crucial player for Erik ten Hag, who will rely on the Dane’s experience in navigating through a competitive Europa League campaign.
This 1-1 draw marks the fourth consecutive season that Manchester United has failed to win their opening European match.
Their last European campaign, whether in the Champions League or the Europa League, has seen them either lose or draw in their first fixture, a troubling trend that Erik ten Hag will be keen to address.
While United’s early lead should have given them the platform to secure three points, their struggles to hold onto the advantage in Europe have become a persistent issue.
In their last six European matches where they have scored the opening goal, United have only managed to win one game, further highlighting their inability to maintain control in crucial moments.
FC Twente, on the other hand, deserve credit for their resilience. The Dutch side, managed by Joseph Oosting, absorbed United’s pressure and pounced on Eriksen’s error to earn a hard-fought point at Old Trafford.
Twente’s goalkeeper, Lars Unnerstall, also played a pivotal role in securing the draw, producing a stunning late save to deny Harry Maguire’s deflected header in the closing stages of the match.
Key Moments in the Game
- First Half Dominance: Manchester United were the superior team in the opening half, with Eriksen’s goal in the 34th minute being the highlight of their early control. United could have added to their tally, but FC Twente’s defense, led by Unnerstall, stood firm.
- Eriksen’s Error: The turning point in the game came in the 61st minute when Christian Eriksen was dispossessed by Sam Lammers, leading to FC Twente’s equalizer. Lammers’ calm finish past Onana ensured the Dutch side left Old Trafford with a valuable point.
- Unnerstall’s Heroics: FC Twente’s goalkeeper produced a stunning save in the dying minutes of the match, denying Harry Maguire’s deflected header that looked destined to secure a late winner for Manchester United.
Eriksen’s Milestone Night
While Christian Eriksen will undoubtedly reflect on his mistake, the Danish midfielder did reach an impressive personal milestone.
His goal against FC Twente made him the third Danish player to score for Manchester United in European competition.
He joins Peter Schmeichel, the legendary goalkeeper, and young forward Rasmus Højlund on this exclusive list. Eriksen’s contributions in attack are a reminder of his quality, even in the face of occasional lapses.
