Manchester United drew 1-1 against FC Twente at Old Trafford in what was a concerning performance from the Red Devils.
Manchester United came into this game off the back of a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and were hoping to kick off their Europa League campaign with a win.
Christian Eriksen had given United the lead in the first half before Sam Lammers equalised for the Dutch side. It was a frustrating night in Manchester.
Here are five things we learned from the draw at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford seemed to be full of confidence
After a poor start to the Premier League season, Marcus Rashford looked to be a man bereft of confidence under Erik ten Hag, despite the Dutchman consistently starting the Englishman.
After United’s 3-0 win over Southampton at the St Mary’s Stadium. Rashford seemed to discover some much-needed confidence and has not looked back since then.
Against FC Twente, Rashford looked to be brimming with confidence as the Englishman was creative and full of skill and caused countless problems for the Dutch side.
Joshua Zirkzee continued to prove his worth in the buildup
Joshua Zirkzee has scored just one goal since his £34 million move to Old Trafford from Bologna but the Dutchman has impressed.
Against FC Twente, Zirkzee’s ability on the ball seems to be bringing the best out of Rashford and the forward has continued to prove himself.
As well as this, ability with his back to goal could prove to be a useful weapon as a replacement for Anthony Martial.
Christian Eriksen’s renaissance despite his failings for the equaliser
Priot to the start of the 2024/25 season, predicting that Eriksen would play a key role for the Red Devils early on would have been outlandish.
However, since his return to club football after the September international break, the Danish midfielder has cemented himself as a key cog in the United midfield.
With Kobbie Mainoo on the bench, Eriksen took his chance and the English teenager could well be paired with the Dane for United’s game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Eriksen’s thumping goal in the first half got United off to a great start but the Dane gave the ball away cheaply for the Twente equaliser in the second half.
United’s European issues continue
United’s UEFA Champions League campaign last season was atrocious and part of the reason for that was the defensive struggles.
The gaps in midfield were back again at Old Trafford and the Dutch side really came into their own and were creating chances, particularly after the equaliser.
United seemed to struggle to deal with the Dutch side and were perhaps fortunate to not fall behind after the equaliser.
United substitutes struggle to make an impact
Similar to the 0-0 draw against Palace, the United substitutes did not make the desired impact against FC Twente as they laboured.
Alejandro Garnacho looked dangerous but Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount did not look match-fit against the Dutch side.
This will certainly be a concern for Ten Hag as they move forward into the game against Tottenham this Sunday.
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