Manchester United’s Europa League campaign began with a frustrating 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford, a result that left manager Erik ten Hag fuming. Despite taking the lead through Christian Eriksen’s 35th-minute strike, United gifted the Dutch side an equaliser in the second half.
Eriksen, who had been instrumental in putting United ahead, was at fault for the equaliser. He was dispossessed by Sam Lammers after attempting a risky turn under pressure, allowing Lammers to fire past Andre Onana.
Ten Hag, while refusing to single out Eriksen, was scathing in his assessment of the team’s performance. “We kept them alive, 1-0 up, controlling the game you have to be consistent and keep going. In the second half, we dropped the level, gave the goal away,” said Ten Hag. “We didn’t finish it off, we had to go for the second goal and so they stay alive and we get punished with a mistake from ourselves.”
He further emphasized the need for the entire team to take responsibility for the dropped points: “We can’t give a goal away like this. We have seen again you have to keep going for the whole game, once 1-0 up you have to keep going, go for the second. It’s the first game, it’s very important you get a win.”
Eriksen himself expressed disappointment with the team’s performance, questioning their desire after a poor run in European competitions: “I think mostly disappointed as a team, we wanted more in the end, far from good enough. They looked like they wanted it more, that can’t be right. I think everyone is looking at themselves, everyone is a professional footballer, they know what to do, what can’t happen. We don’t lose but it feels like a loss.”
This draw follows a goalless draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday, raising further concerns about United’s ability to deliver consistent performances. With a tough group stage ahead, including matches against Porto and Fenerbahce, United will need to quickly improve their form if they hope to make a meaningful impact in the Europa League. Their next challenge comes on Sunday against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
