Manchester United 1-1 FC Twente: Eriksen goes from hero to zero in Europa League opener

Manchester United got their Europa League campaign off to an underwhelming start as FC Twente fought back to draw 1-1 at Old Trafford.

Christian Eriksen opened the scoring on Wednesday with a fine finish beyond Lars Unnerstall, before giving the ball away cheaply to allow Sam Lammers to ensure a share the spoils at Old Trafford.

The hosts almost found themselves a goal behind early on when Lammers failed to turn home Bart van Rooij’s inviting delivery with Andre Onana well beaten.

But Erik ten Hag’s side took control and got the goal their dominance merited, with Eriksen rifling a fierce strike into the roof of the net for only his sixth United goal.

However, against the run of play, the visitors drew level when Eriksen turned into trouble, with Lammers picking the Dane’s pocket before finishing at the near post.

Twente had their goalkeeper to thank in preserving their point late on, with Unnerstall producing a remarkable save to keep out Harry Maguire’s deflected header.

It finishes in a draw. #MUFC || #UEL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 25, 2024

Data Debrief: United’s European struggles continue

While Eriksen endured an indifferent game at Old Trafford, the midfielder became the third Danish player to score for the Red Devils in major European competition, along with Peter Schmeichel and Rasmus Hojlund, on his 100th European appearance.

However, United have now failed to win their opening major European match in each of the last four seasons, losing in 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 and now drawing on Wednesday.

Ten Hag’s side have also struggled when scoring the first goal in Europe, winning just one of their last six matches in the Champions League and Europa League when opening the scoring.