Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw against manager Erik Ten Hag’s boyhood club FC Twente at Old Trafford on Wednesday in their opening game of the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League campaign.
In an emotional build-up to the game, much of the talk was centered on United’s Dutch gaffer’s long-standing history with Twente, where he spent over two decades at the club as assistant manager and player.
However, it was all business as soon as the whistle went for the commencement of the game, with Twente defending resolutely and denying United any openings until 10 minutes before the break.
Former Ajax man Christian Eriksen found a yard of space inside Twente’s area and fizzed a low drive into the net, which broke Twente’s resistance to give United the lead at the break.
United looked an entirely different team in the second half allowing Twente to grow into the game.
The Red Devils’ defence was breached for the first time in three games when San Lammers tucked the ball home to draw the visitors level after 68 minutes.
United struggled to create clear-cut chances and almost won it at the death when Harry Maguire’s effort was deflected goalwards but failed to beat Twente goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall.
United’s next continental duty will see them travel to Portugal to take on Porto, who lost against Bodo Glimt 3-2 in their opening Europa League game.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s immediate task is to prepare his team for a stern test against Tottenham Hotspurs at the weekend, as they look to bounce to winning ways in the Premier League.
By Andrews Sefa Bamfo
