Last season’s FA Cup winners, Manchester United, have secured a place in the Europa League group stage, but they remain an enigma.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, aside from José Mourinho’s successful 2017 Europa League campaign, United has struggled to maintain consistent form, especially in the Premier League. They finished a disappointing 8th last season.
While United’s history places them among England’s top clubs, their recent performances have fallen below expectations. Despite a busy summer transfer window, United suffered two defeats before the international break—losing 2-1 to Brighton and 3-0 to Liverpool.
After the break, United faced Southampton away, took on Barnsley in the EFL Cup, and clashed with Crystal Palace in the league. Meanwhile, Twente came close to reaching the Champions League but were eliminated by Red Bull Salzburg, losing 2-1 in Austria and drawing 3-3 at home.
In the domestic league, Twente’s form has been inconsistent, managing just one win in their last three games—a 2-1 victory over NEC Nijmegen, followed by a draw with Sparta Rotterdam and a loss to Utrecht. After the international break, Twente hosted Zwolle and Heerenveen, before traveling to Almere City.
Manchester United’s striker Rasmus Højlund, who netted 10 goals in the Premier League last season, has yet to make an appearance this season due to injury.
Other key players sidelined include Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, and Luke Shaw, while summer signing Lenny Yoro is also unavailable.
Dutch international Joshua Zirkzee, who scored his first goal for United against Fulham in the season opener, has yet to score again. However, players like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Casemiro are expected to raise their level of performance.
Twente, heading into the match at Old Trafford, will be without Czech international Michal Sadilek due to injury.
Still, they have promising players, such as new signing Sam Lammers, who has scored twice in three league games, and 22-year-old Steijn, who scored 17 goals last season and has already contributed a goal and an assist this season.
Prediction
In 19 of Manchester United’s last 20 Europa League away matches, no more than three goals have been scored, with one exception being a high-scoring win last month.
While United’s style of play is often entertaining, 18 of their last 20 home matches have also seen fewer than 3.5 goals.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Twente
