Europa League, FC Twente hold Manchester United 1-1: Key stats
Dutch side FC Twente held hosts Manchester United 1-1 in matchweek 1 of the revamped UEFA Europa League 2024-25 season at Old Trafford. Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock in the 35th minute with a ferocious strike. However, the Dane was then guilty as his sloppiness on the ball saw Sam Lammers score in the 68th minute. Both sides failed to find a winner thereafter.
What happened in the first half?
Lammers saw a chance glance wide of Andre Onana's goal in the 8th minute after Man United failed to deal with the initial corner. In the 26th minute, visiting goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall managed to keep out the ball and prevent Mees Hilgers from turning the ball into his own net. Eriksen's thumping strike then made it 1-0 for the hosts, who looked comfortable.
1st half match stats
Man United had 53% ball possession and had eight attempts compared to their opponents' three attempts. Erik ten Hag's men created four chances and one big chance.
Visiting side make it 1-1 in 2nd half
Both sides failed to gain much impetus going forward in the 2nd half. In the 68th minute, Eriksen was robbed in possession and it resulted in a fine goal for the visiting Dutch side. Joshua Zirkzee, who had an impressive outing for the hosts, tested the visiting keeper next. In the 81st minute, Bruno Fernandes missed a glorious chance to make it 2-1.
Man United fail to show impetus
It was a real missed opportunity for ten Hag's Manchester United, who also failed to beat Crystal Palace over the weekend in the Premier League. Sitting back in the 2nd half didn't do the hosts any good and the visitors gained momentum. United lack the cutting edge at the moment and the manager looks short of ideas in terms of the overall output.
Eriksen races to 6 goals for Man United
Eriksen marked his 77th appearance for Man United with a goal. He owns six goals for the Red Devils in addition to making 14 assists.
