Manchester United, under Erik ten Hag, have had a tough time domestically, navigating the Dutchman’s third Premier League season. However, they managed to steady the ship with a 3-0 win away at Southampton. As they return to the Europa League, the focus now shifts to proving their quality on the European stage against Dutch side FC Twente.
United are no strangers to the Europa League, having lifted the trophy in 2017 under José Mourinho. This season, they’ve earned their spot in Europe’s secondary competition by defeating rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final – a victory that many believe has saved Ten Hag’s job after their worst league finish in Premier League history.
With domestic inconsistency threatening to once again define their campaign, the Europa League provides an opportunity for redemption and silverware. United’s European journey starts with a clash against Twente, a team Ten Hag knows well from his time managing in the Netherlands, in a competition that top betting sites have them down as one of the favourites for.
The season so far has been a rollercoaster for United, marked by inconsistency and, most notably, a humiliating home defeat to Liverpool. However, that heavy loss might just serve as a turning point, reigniting the fire in the squad. While the early midweek fixtures represent the chance to rest players, Twente can’t be taken lightly.
The Eredivisie side, managed by Joseph Oosting, are no pushovers. Despite coming close against RB Salzburg in Champions League qualifying, they were beaten 5-4 on aggregate, with a spirited comeback giving former Liverpool assistant Pep Ljinders some early scares in his tenure as permanent boss.
They finished third in the Eredivisie last season, but their lack of squad depth saw them fall short of competing with champions PSV and Arne Slot’s Feyenoord. Nonetheless, Twente are a team that can upset anyone on their day, displaying a fierce fighting spirit that makes them dangerous opponents in any European clash.
This season's Europa League presents a fresh challenge for United with its revamped format. The group stage now features a 36-team league, where each side plays eight different opponents. The top eight advance to the round of 16, while teams from ninth to 24th compete in play-offs for the remaining spots.
The Red Devil’s group includes tough opposition like Porto, Rangers, and Fenerbahçe, setting up exciting clashes. Their pursuit of a place in the final at Bilbao's Estadio de San Mamés will be full of hurdles, including a reunion with former manager José Mourinho.
On the night, ten Hag will likely rotate his squad, giving fringe players a chance to impress. In their 7-0 League Cup win against Barnsley, United fielded a strong side but still made room for the likes of Altay Bayındır, Toby Collyer, and Amad Diallo.
Diallo, in particular, could play a key role, having already impressed with a crucial goal against Liverpool during their FA Cup run.
Another player to watch is Manuel Ugarte, United’s new £60 million midfielder who signed towards the end of the transfer window from Paris Saint Germain.
Seen as a long-term successor to Casemiro, Ugarte’s tough tackling and energetic play will bring much-needed fight and grit to the midfield.
Alongside fringe players like Jonny Evans and academy starlets like Ethan Wheatley, the starting line-up could be a tough one to predict, and will do little to serve as United’s long-term plan for how they approach Europa League games later in the tournament.
Twente will undoubtedly present headaches for United, with quality players like Sam Lammers, Sem Steijn, and Alec Van Hoorenbeeck in their ranks. Steijn, who scored 18 goals last season, will be a key threat.
Meanwhile, Ricky van Wolfswinkel, a seasoned journeyman of European football, adds experience and poise to Twente’s attack. While his time in the Premier League with Norwich City was below average, he is still remembered for his debut goal against Everton in the 2013/14 season.
Overall, Twente’s blend of youth and experience, combined with their tenacity, makes them dangerous opponents capable of capitalising on any United mistakes.
United’s home advantage should help them secure the win, though they will need to be wary of Twente’s counter-attacking threat. If United fail to break through early, Twente could well snatch a point. However, with a rotated squad and an eye on more important domestic fixtures, Ten Hag’s men are expected to control the game and get the result they need.
Full-time prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Twente
