Manchester United 1-1 FC Twente: Five things noticed as worrying theme continues

Five things noticed as Manchester United drew 1-1 with FC Twente during their opening Europa League fixture of the season.

Erik ten Hag chose to hand Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, and Manuel Ugarte starts as Manchester United took on FC Twente in the opening Europa League fixture of the campaign at Old Trafford.

The tie started fast, with both teams creating early chances. However, it wasn’t until the 35th minute that Christian Eriksen rocketed a brilliant finish past Lars Unnerstall to hand United a much-deserved lead.

Read More: Player Ratings – Manchester United vs FC Twente (Europa League)

With Marcus Rashford on red-hot form, the second half was underway, and United continued to search for an equaliser, with the English winger coming closer and closer to his fourth goal of the season.

However, moments after Alejandro Garnacho replaced Amad Diallo after 66 minutes, FC Twente broke United’s back line after a mistake from Eriksen. With just over 20 minutes to play, the game was at 1-1.

Following the goal, momentum in the tie wholly shifted, and Ten Hag replied by throwing Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Højlund, and Mason Mount onto the field with 15 minutes to play.

With the final minutes upon Old Trafford, United were throwing the kitchen sink at FC Twente’s goal, but despite their best efforts, Unnerstall could not be bested as the Dutch club kept all 11 men behind the goal. With no further strikes, the tie ended in a stalemate.

#1 – Rashford x Zirkzee is heating up

With Rashford and Zirkzee starting together, it is clear that the pair are beginning to develop a good working relationship in the left channel.

From early on, the pair combined to create multiple chances, with Rashford putting in a series of crosses and Zirkzee being a huge facilitator.

In general, Rashford has looked much more comfortable and free to play while having Zirkzee as an outlet, with Diogo Dalot also acting as an out-ball for the winger. He seems to be hitting his stride once again.

#2 – Ugarte’s abilities on the ball

While Ugarte has been brought in as an eventual replacement for Casemiro’s waning defensive abilities in the starting XI, he was fantastic on the ball against FC Twente.

Under pressure, the 23-year-old was fantastic in possession, looking to keep play ticking and getting the ball forward on every possible occasion, which will delight both Ten Hag and United’s fans.

Another point about Ugarte concerns his urgency. When United loses the ball in the middle of the park, his pressure and reaction to win it back are immediate. Throughout the season, this will undoubtedly be vital to squashing chances before they can occur.

#3 – Eriksen, what a surprise

While there were rumours throughout the summer that Eriksen may be leaving Old Trafford, the Danish international captain has proven precisely why he has stuck around.

His strike in the 35th minute was brilliant. He hit a loose ball first time from the edge of the area to hand United the lead. He has been fantastic for the club lately, starting in the last four games and impressing on every occasion.

After being dropped for Kobbie Mainoo last season, Eriksen has proved that he can still be a brilliant asset for the club, which will significantly help Ten Hag, who will be keen to rotate as much as he can throughout the next few months.

However, it must be noted that his mistake, which handed FC Twente an equaliser, was undoubtedly down to a lapse in concentration in the defensive third, which he will need to iron out if he wants to stay in the XI.

#4 – Take your chances, it’s worrying

Once again, despite United’s attacking positivity, they are failing to take their chances when it comes to the final execution of chances. Although the creation of chances is a positive sign, if the club cannot learn to finish them, it becomes an issue.

With Højlund returning and United’s wingers finding form, you would hope the goals would start flowing sooner or later, but it needs to happen fast. If not, it could be a repeating theme that will worry Ten Hag.

#5 – Time running out

While the occasional lacklustre performance during the season’s early months can be excused, the club is now at a point where it cannot afford to draw more games.

With this tie being the opening fixture of the Europa League campaign, a draw is not the end of the world, but should the side continue in this inconsistent form, they won’t achieve the basic target of qualifying for the knockout rounds.

It’s more points dropped.

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