Tukkers Snatch a Point at Old Trafford in Europa League Opener

Manchester United were left feeling a bit miffed as FC Twente pulled off a surprising 1-1 draw in their UEFA Europa League opener at Old Trafford.

September 25, 2024
9:10 pm

This was the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, and Erik ten Hag was up against his boyhood team, but things didn’t quite go the way the Red Devils had hoped.

United, making their fourth appearance in UEFA’s second-tier competition in 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson waved goodbye, were keen to kick off their European journey with a bang. But it was the visitors from the Netherlands who made the first move, with Sam Lammers missing an early chance to send the Old Trafford crowd into a frenzy.

The Red Devils soon found their rhythm, with Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen pushing forward. It was Eriksen who broke the deadlock 10 minutes before halftime, rifling a loose ball into the top corner to make it 1-0—his third goal in two home games!

However, FC Twente came back from the break looking much sharper, putting United under pressure right from the get-go. Their persistence nearly paid off when Sem Steijn’s clever low free kick was parried away by André Onana. Sensing the need to regain control, Ten Hag brought on Alejandro Garnacho, but just minutes later, a crucial slip-up let Twente back into the game.

In the 68th minute, Bart van Rooij’s forward run saw the ball fall to Eriksen, who was caught napping. Sam Lammers swooped in, dispossessing Eriksen and charging toward goal to beat Onana at his near post, leveling the match at 1-1. United, eager to regain their lead, made a triple substitution, bringing on Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, and Rasmus Højlund, but it just wasn’t enough.

Late efforts from Fernandes and Garnacho both sailed just over the bar, leaving United without the win they were banking on. For Twente, it was a massive triumph. Written off as underdogs before kick-off, they managed to frustrate Ten Hag’s side and snag a vital point in a tough away match.

As Manchester United gear up for their next Europa League clash, the big question is: Can they bounce back from this disappointing start and show their true dominance in Europe?