New Delhi: Manchester United will kick off their UEFA Europa campaign with an encounter against FC Twente at Old Trafford tonight. After a challenging 2022-23 Premier League campaign where they finished eighth, Manchester United are set to compete in the Europa League for the seventh time since its rebranding in 2009.
The Red Devils secured their place in the competition after a memorable FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester City in May. However, their start to the new season has been mixed. Erik ten Hag’s side has won three games, lost three, and drawn one of their first seven matches across all competitions, including back-to-back wins over Southampton (3-0) and Barnsley (7-0).
Their latest fixture was a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace where they missed several chances despite dominating the first half. They are currently in 11th position in the Premier League table after five games.
FC Twente, on the other hand, are entering their first European campaign since 2012-13 after finishing third in the Eredivisie last season. Joseph Oosting’s side has had a solid start to the new domestic season, picking up 11 points from their first six matches.
The Dutch side currently sits in the fourth spot in the league table. Their recent performances include a 2-0 win over Heerenveen and a commanding 5-0 victory over Almere City. Goals from Sem Steijn, Sam Lammers, and Ricky van Wolfswinkel have provided the firepower to push Twente forward as they aim to build on their impressive domestic form.
Despite their strong league position, success in European competitions has been elusive for Twente in recent years. After narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification earlier this season following a 5-4 aggregate defeat to Red Bull Salzburg, the Tukkers now turn their attention to the Europa League.
Facing Manchester United at Old Trafford presents a daunting task, especially considering their poor track record against English sides but before the action kicks off let’s take a look at which team holds the upper hand over the other.
Team News
Luke Shaw of Manchester United (Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images)
In Manchester United camp, they have to still cope without their summer signings Leny Yoro (foot) and Luke Shaw (calf) while Tyrell Malacia (knee) and Victor Lindelof (toe) both have resumed first-team training but both will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
Despite three successive clean sheets, Ten Hag may consider some changes in the defence with Harry Maguire replacing either Matthijs de Ligt or Lisandro Martinez at centre-back while Manuel Ugarte or Casemiro could start in the midfield replacing either Kobbie Mainoo or Christian Eriksen.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford will be hoping to force his way back into the starting XI after Ten Hag surprisingly dropped him against Crystal Palace. So far he has scored three goals in two matches. As Ten Hag progressively eases Rasmus Hojlund back into the first-team fold Joshua Zirkzee may start up front. Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, and Antony will all compete to start on the flanks.
In FC Twente camp, midfielder Michal Sadilek is still recovering from a laceration in his leg which he sustained in a freak bicycle accident prior to Euro 2024. Younes Yaha has also joined him as he broke his leg just a week ago during an Eredivisie draw with PEC Zwolle.
Oosting is also unlikely to make many changes in the squad. The only potential change that seems to happen is of summer signing Bart van Rooij who might start on the right side of the back four next to Mees Hilgers, Max Bruns, and Anass Salah-Eddine.
Sem Steijn has performed brilliantly for Twente so far, having scored seven goals in eight games across all competitions. The 22-year-old is expected to operate in the number 10 role just behind Sam Lammers.
Head-to-Head
Manchester United and FC Twente will meet for the first time. Man United are have lost one of their last nine home games against the Dutch side in all competitions. United lost 2-1 against Ajax in the UEFA Europa League in February 2012.
FC Twente have won just one against English opponents in their last 13 encounters in all competitions which also came in their most recent such matcha against the Fulham in December 2011.
After losing their first two home matches in the Europa League in 2012 Manchester United suffered only one loss in the subsequent 24 such games in the competition. Twente are yet to register themselves in the winning list as they haven’t won any of their last seven UEFA Europa League matches.
Predicted lineup
Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Mainoo; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
FC Twente: Unnerstall; Van Rooij, Hilgers, Bruns, Salah-Eddine; Eiting, Regger; Rots, Steijn, Van Bergen; Lammers
When, where, and how to watch the Manchester United vs FC Twente match in India?
The Manchester United vs FC Twente UEFA Europa League 2024/25 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Fans can tune into the Sony Sports Ten 5 at 12:30 am to catch the action. Live streaming of the Champions League 2024/25 will be available on the SonyLIV app and website.
Match Prediction
In recent weeks FC Twente have found their form and could pose a threat to United particularly inform attacker Steijn. The Dutch can put Manchester United’s backline to test but Ten Hag’s men will look to return to winning charts and have enough attacking prowess to dismantle Twente. Red Devils are expected to outscore their opponents and begin their Europa campaign on a positive note.
Final Scoreline: Manchester United 3-1 FC Twente
Manchester United will host FC Twente at the Old Trafford tonight. But before the action kicks off, let’s examine which team has the upper hand over the other. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
