If there is one thing we know about Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, it’s that he was a dominant managerial force against Dutch teams in the Eredivisie.
So when the Red Devils were drawn against FC Twente in the Europa League, Manchester United were expected to cruise to a home victory.
The match at Old Trafford did not go as United hoped, with Christian Eriksen’s opener cancelled out by an equaliser from striker Sam Lammers.
United’s performance was a letdown, with supporters left frustrated by the second half performance.
How the Dutch media reacted to Manchester United draw
Former Dutch international Ruud Gullit explained he was unimpressed with United, commenting: “I’m not shocked, because I see this every week.”
His comments were added to by Dutch pundit Danny Koevermans, who told ESPN he was also not surprised by United failing beat Twente.
He said: “We’ve actually gotten used to it a bit. It’s not surprising at all when you look at Manchester United.
“They’re not significantly better than a mid-table club like Wolverhampton Wanderers. I don’t think they’re English top and they even have a hard time imposing their will on Twente.”
This season Wolves are bottom of the Premier League table – but you get the point. United are unimpressive.
Another Dutch television pundit, Theo Janssen, also had harsh words for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
He asked, via Voetbal International: “How long has this process been going on? There is still no recognisable playing style, in terms of pressing and building up. It is hoping for an individual moment from a player, so that they can create something.”
Twente equaliser ‘deserved’
Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur wrote that FC Twente’s equalising goal in the second half was ‘deserved’.
Algemeen Dagblad wrote: “After 94 minutes there was the redeeming end of a heroic evening in which FC Twente put itself on the map. Sam Lammers’ goal was one for the books. It was sensational, historic. And it was also justified.”
While De Volkskrant made reference to Ten Hag’s pre-match comments, commenting: “Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag, who has a rich history with Twente, had said beforehand that he did not like to hurt his old love.
“But apart from Christian Eriksen’s goal before half-time, almost nothing came of it.”
Manchester United’s next Europa League game is away at Porto, which comes between Premier League matches with Tottenham and Aston Villa.
The pressure is on.
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