Hosts held in Europa League opener

Manchester United could only manage a 1-1 draw against FC Twente in their Europa League opener.

Christian Eriksen opened the scoring for the Red Devils, netting 35 minutes in.

But the visitors fought back, Sam Lammers bagging the equaliser in the second half.

It was another stumbling block for Erik ten Hag, this time against his former club.

Read on to discover how the match unfolded at the Theatre of Dreams.

How it happened

The game began with Manchester United dominating possession, but they struggled to break down a resolute Twente defence.

Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee combined well in the early stages, but as has been the story this season, United’s final ball was lacking.

Building momentum 🧱#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/5XtzwDN8OY

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 25, 2024

Twente had the first major chance of the match in the ninth minute, a corner leading to a scramble in the box with the ball falling to Lammers, who narrowly missed the target with a low effort that had Andre Onana beaten.

United responded and in the 26th minute, they came close to taking the lead when Diogo Dalot’s cross caused confusion in the Twente box, with Robin Hilgers almost scoring an own goal.

The breakthrough finally came in the 35th minute.

Dalot was dispossessed inside the Twente penalty area, but the ball fell kindly to Eriksen, who curled a powerful shot into the top corner from the edge of the box, leaving Unnerstall with no chance.

Twente started the second half brightly, but United looked comfortable, controlling possession and keeping the Dutch side at bay.

However, the game took a turn in the 68th minute when Eriksen was caught in possession deep inside his own half.

Goal. The visitors equalise through Lammers.#MUFC || #UEL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 25, 2024

Lammers pounced, driving into the penalty area before firing a left-footed shot past Onana at the near post to level the score at 1-1.

The equaliser sparked a wave of substitutions, with United manager Erik ten Hag bringing on Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, and Kobbie Mainoo to try and regain control of the game.

Garnacho was lively on the left, creating chances and stretching the Twente defence.

In the 81st minute, Bruno Fernandes came close to restoring United’s lead, sending a curling effort inches over the crossbar.

And as the game entered its final stages, United pushed for a winner, with Harry Maguire’s header in stoppage time forcing an outstanding save from Unnerstall.

Despite the late pressure, United were unable to find the decisive goal, and the match ended 1-1, giving both teams a point on opening night.