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The European journey for Manchester United starts tonight as they are ready to take on FC Twente at Old Trafford to play their opening game of the UEFA Europa League. The Europa League will be played in a format similar to the UEFA Champions League, with 36 teams participating in the League Phase.
Manchester United failed to make a strong start to the new season of the English Premier League, having lost two of their first five games already. They had an intense fight with Crystal Palace in their last league games but ended in a goalless draw. Manchester United had 15 shots against Crystal Palace yet failed to find the net.
However, Erik Ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, is not concerned about goal-scoring. He believes his side has enough quality players to score goals at any time. Ten Hag said, “Concerned [about scoring goals]? We create a lot of chances in the first games of the season. Last week, we scored seven against Barnsley, so we are capable of scoring many goals. But it’s a part of the game we have to be better at, we have to improve. We have to kill more in the box.”
Stats & Facts
- Man United have never played against FC Twente in any competition.
- However, The Red Devils have lost only one of their previous nine home games against the Dutch clubs across all competitions.
- FC Twente have won only one of their 13 matches against English clubs in all competitions while losing 7.
- Since losing two home games in the Europa League in 2012, Manchester United only have lost one of their following 24 home games in this competition.
- Meanwhile, FC Twente have failed to win any of their previous 7 matches in the Europa League.
Man United VS FC Twente: Team News
Manchester United are still missing Leny Yorro and Luke Shaw due to their injuries. Tyrell Malacia and Victor Lindelof have returned to training, but tonight’s game comes too soon for them as they need more time to get match fitness.
Man United have kept three successive clean sheets with Lisandro Martinez and Matthjis de Ligt in defense. Yet, the manager will likely rotate his squad so that Harry Maguire replaces Martinez or De Ligt.
Rashford will also return to the starting XI after being benched against Crystal Palace. Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony will fight for their place in the two flanks.
As for Twente, midfielder Michal Sadilek is still recovering and will miss the game. Younes Taha will also be out of the squad due to his broken leg.
Possible Lineup for Man United:
Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Mainoo; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
Possible Lineup for FC Twente:
Unnerstall; Van Rooij, Hilgers, Bruns, Salah-Eddine; Eiting, Regger; Rots, Steijn, Van Bergen; Lammers
Prediction: Man United 3-0 Twente
The defense of Man United was terrible last season, but they are now much improved in that position. The Red Devils have kept three clean sheets in a row, gaining more confidence. Besides, they created many chances in their last few games. It should not be difficult for them to score goals at Old Trafford tonight against Twente.
Betfair Odds
Man United: 1.29
Draw: 6.80
FC Twente: 12.00
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