When Manchester United perform at their peak, as they did for significant periods here, their attacking play is a blend of organized chaos, and their defense is solid, as evidenced by their four clean sheets this season. This impressive statistic was on the verge of becoming five until a careless Christian Eriksen, who had earlier been a hero, faltered, allowing Sam Lammers to equalize in the 68th minute. In pursuit of victory, Erik ten Hag made tactical substitutions, replacing Marcus Rashford with Rasmus Højlund, Mason Mount with Joshua Zirkee, and Kobbie Mainoo with Eriksen. Despite a frantic scramble in added time that saw Harry Maguire heading towards goal, United's Europa League campaign began with a draw.
Following a spirited rendition of Country Roads that echoed through the stadium amid heavy rain, United continued their strong on-ball performance from their goalless draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday. This possession-heavy style, often criticized by Ten Hag's detractors, was evident here as André Onana, Lisandro Martínez, Maguire, Manuel Ugarte, and Noussair Mazraoui effectively moved the ball around near the goal and into midfield. There was also notable disruption from Ugarte, who, on his full debut, dispossessed Youri Regeer at the halfway line, showcasing the kind of play he was brought in for. Similarly, Mazraoui thwarted Anass Salah-Eddine's advance along the left byline.
Zirkzee, lining up as United's No 9, demonstrated his natural playmaking skills with a no-look backheel that confused Twente's defense and set up Marcus Rashford. Rashford, benefiting from Alejandro Garnacho's benching, was a constant threat, as shown by his sprint down the left and quick pass to Zirkzee, followed by a cheeky nutmeg of Ricky van Wolfswinkel that drew cheers from the United faithful. He was also part of a three-man press involving Zirkzee and Fernandes whenever Unnerstall looked to start a play from the back. Rashford was also the first to congratulate Eriksen on his opening goal, a powerful shot that flew into the left corner.
The chance arose from a reverse pass by the ever-clever Fernandes to Dalot, who, advancing into the area, saw Eriksen take over and finish with aplomb. The first half ended with two Twente corners, but it was largely United's half. Could Ten Hag's men maintain their momentum? When Mitchell Van Bergen threatened down the left, Fernandes led the charge to neutralize the threat, a promising sign that United were determined not to fade. Rashford's footwork, which bewildered two Twente defenders, also indicated United's intent.
United seemed to be cruising, but they had to remain vigilant. Mazraoui's smooth control and nimble movement forward demonstrated their superiority. The Moroccan's advance led to a corner, and Maguire berated himself for hitting the ball straight into Unnerstall's gloves. Martínez then clashed with Sem Steijn, earning a booking, and Steijn's subsequent free-kick was a powerful shot that Onana had to dive left to block. Two corners followed and were defended, and United soon launched another attack via Rashford, aiming for a second goal to ease the tension in the final half hour. Eriksen, with a corner, sought to create an opportunity, but Twente held firm.
The Dutch side then found joy. Rooij advanced 40 yards, evaded Maguire, and Ugarte tackled, but Eriksen hesitated, allowing Lammers to dispossess him, race into United's area, and beat Onana to the right. Twente's supporters celebrated, and despite threats from Zirkzee, Mainoo, Garnacho, who replaced Diallo, Dalot, and Hojlund, United ended with another draw.
