Manchester United began their Europa League campaign in the same way they ended their previous Premier League campaign, held to a frustrating 1-1 draw vs FC Twente.
United started on the front foot but Twente sat back and closed the space between the lines to frustrate Erik ten Hag’s men.
Constant movement, though, kept United looking threatening as Twente’s threat was kept to a minimum. Christian Eriksen gave United a first-half lead with a thunderous strike after coming onto a loose ball in the box.
The trend of domination was the same way in the second half before a collection of individual mistakes allowed Twente to surge forward through the middle to score a shock equaliser.
Ten Hag rolled the dice with a triple change but no joy was there to be found as United were held to a frustrating draw for ta second time in four days.
Here’s how the players rated:
Andre Onana – 5
Got done by Lammers’ feint of him hitting at the far post only to get beaten at his near post. Had nothing to do otherwise.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
Apart from one cross-field pass finding the opposition, another faultless game for a player quickly becoming one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Harry Maguire – 5
Was left on his backside due to an ill-advised sliding tackle in no man’s land as Twente man surged forward through the middle for the equaliser in the second half. Attacking threat on set pieces.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Found himself in an unexpected attacking position during a threatening moment in the first half which he made the most out of. Confident in defence and absolutely silky on the ball.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Almost at fault for a goal after his casual reaction caused Twente to nip the ball off of him for their best chance of the game early on. Judged on higher standards now.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Looked a step behind the pace of the game at times and a bit too eager to attack the ball and press high which didn’t always come off. Precious minutes with new teammates are a plus.
Christian Eriksen – 7
Scored with a rocket strike to give United the lead to make it three goals in four games. Gave the ball away for Twente’s equaliser as he dawdled needlessly, unaware of his surroundings.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
The Crystal Palace game was not his finest moment because of losing the ball constantly and this was more of the same. His passes are audacious when they come off, frustrating when they don’t. It’s been the latter for the last two games. Summed up by his straight free-kick at the goalkeeper with United’s last chance of the game.
Amad – 7
Always looked to play forward and his two-footedness is such an asset to the attack. United look dangerous every time he’s on the ball. Came off for Garnacho as Ten Hag keeps rotating his forwards.
Marcus Rashford – 8
Is Rashford finally back to his best? There was no goal this time but his general level of play looks different altogether, best summed up by a breathtaking elastico in the first half when he perhaps would have passed it backwards four games ago. Was confusingly taken off despite looking the most threatening.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6.5
He’s a reluctant striker who’ll never be prolific, but he makes United play better with his link-up abilities. This was more of the same. Perhaps a Hojlund-Zirkzee partnership is in the offing.
Substitutes
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
Ten Hag sent him out with the message of “defend, defend, defend” but had to switch almost instantly to attacking mode as Twente equalised. Was extremely threatening and looked like he would make something happen.
Rasmus Hojlund – 6
Looks rusty as a couple of balls zipped into him pinged off of him. Needs more minutes to get sharp again as he doesn’t look on the same wavelength as his teammates.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Made some nice forward runs but also got caught on the ball a few times on, unbelievably, his European debut for United.
Mason Mount – 6
Pressed relentlessly, as always, end product missing, as always. Needs time to get back match rhythm again after latest injury return.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/7XufSZb