Manchester United vs Twente Preview

• Draw or United win
• Fernandes to score or assist

The stage is set for an exciting clash at Old Trafford as Manchester United welcomes FC Twente for their first-ever head-to-head (H2H) in European competition.

Both teams are looking to make their mark in this UEFA Europa League (UEL) league phase opener, with Manchester United aiming to bounce back from a frustrating domestic draw and Twente eager to shine on the European stage.

Manchester United: Looking for Stability Under Erik ten Hag

It has been 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, and Manchester United has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. This will be the fourth time in that period where a UEL campaign follows a season in the UEFA Champions League.

Erik ten Hag’s reign hasn’t been entirely stable, but recent form shows positive signs, as United are unbeaten in their last three matches since the international break (W2, D1).

Despite this mini-revival, a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace last Saturday left Ten Hag frustrated. United dominated the match but failed to convert their chances, a recurring issue this season. In fact, no team in the Premier League has missed more big chances than Manchester United (17) so far.

A return to Old Trafford in the UEL could be the perfect remedy for their goal-scoring woes, as they have lost just one of their last 24 home matches in this competition (W18, D5).

Twente: A Historic Opportunity on the Big Stage

Twente faces a daunting task in Manchester, but head coach Joseph Oosting’s side will be brimming with confidence.

Twente returns to the main draw of a UEFA competition for the first time since the 2012/13 season, and though they face a formidable opponent, they will take heart from their only previous victory against English opposition, when they beat Fulham in December 2011.

However, that win stands alone, as Twente have struggled historically against English clubs (W1, D5, L7). Even so, their solid start to the Eredivisie season (W3, D2, L1) and a dominant 5-0 victory over Almere City in their last outing should give them belief as they step onto the Old Trafford pitch.

Key Players to Watch

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

United’s captain is a UEL specialist and has been pivotal in their European campaigns. Fernandes has directly contributed to 35 goals in this competition (20 goals, 15 assists) – more than any other player since his UEL debut. His creativity and leadership will be crucial for breaking down Twente’s defence.

Sem Steijn (Twente)

The 21-year-old midfielder is enjoying a strong run of form, having scored four goals in his last two Eredivisie matches, all of which came before halftime.

Steijn will likely go head-to-head with Fernandes in midfield, and his ability to find the back of the net early could prove crucial in giving Twente a fighting chance.

Manchester United’s Dominance at Home in Europe

A key factor in this matchup is Manchester United’s impressive home record in the UEL. Losing just once in their last 24 home games in the competition (W18, D5), the Red Devils will be eager to maintain that form.

Old Trafford has always been a fortress on European nights, and with Erik ten Hag looking to build momentum, they will be favourites to secure a positive result.

Twente’s Challenge: Can They Upset the Odds?

Twente may be the underdogs, but they will relish the challenge. For many of their players, nights like these are what they dreamt of when finishing third in the Eredivisie last season.

Joseph Oosting’s men will hope to build on their solid domestic form and create some magic under the lights at Old Trafford.

Final Thoughts

Manchester United enters this clash as the clear favourite, especially considering their UEL experience and home form. However, Twente’s recent performances and the unpredictability of European nights leave room for a potential upset.

The key battle between Bruno Fernandes and Sem Steijn in midfield will likely play a significant role in determining the outcome.

Can Erik ten Hag’s side find their scoring touch and get their UEL campaign off to a winning start, or will Twente shock the Old Trafford faithful with a historic result?

For more info on this fixture, you may also visit:
Man Utd vs Twente | UEFA Europa League 2024/25