Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed his deep frustration over his team’s lack of killer instinct, following a surprising 1-1 draw against FC Twente in their revamped Europa League campaign. The Red Devils were left to rue their missed opportunities as his former club, the Dutch underdogs, managed to secure an unexpected point at Old Trafford.
The game, which initially seemed to be heading in United’s favor, took a dramatic turn in the second half when Christian Eriksen’s error allowed FC Twente’s Sam Lammers to score an equalizer. This moment of vulnerability highlights the issues that Ten Hag believes have plagued his team throughout the season.
“You saw that was the game of their life. They fought for every yard and we didn’t,” Ten Hag said post-match. “99% is not enough, You have to give 100%. You have to kill the game. You have to finish it off.”
### Eriksen’s Opening Strike
Christian Eriksen initially set Manchester United on the path to victory with a spectacular first-half goal. The Danish playmaker found the back of the net in the 35th minute with a powerful, first-time shot that soared into the top corner, leaving Twente’s goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall with no chance. The celebration that followed was one of pure joy and relief as Eriksen raised his clenched fist to the roaring home crowd.
### Lammers’ Equalizer
However, the euphoria was short-lived. In the 68th minute, a lapse in United’s defense led to Eriksen losing possession of the ball. Seizing the opportunity, Twente striker Sam Lammers capitalized and made a solo run, beating United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana at his near post. The Dutch club’s equalizing goal sent their supporters into jubilant hysteria, a stark contrast to the dejection felt by United’s players and fans.
### Ten Hag’s Dilemma
Erik ten Hag had previously expressed his mixed emotions about facing FC Twente, a club he holds dear from his formative years in the Netherlands. “It’s not nice to have to hurt something you love,” he had mentioned before the game. Ironically, it was Manchester United that ended up getting hurt, leaving the fans and their manager disappointed.
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The Dutch manager had expected his players to put on a robust display, especially following a lackluster 0-0 Premier League draw against Crystal Palace just days earlier. However, with only three wins in seven games across all competitions this season, the team’s performance is raising many questions about their consistency and resolve.
### Format Change in Europa League
This season, the Europa League adopted a new format, expanding from 32 to 36 teams and featuring a league system where each team plays eight games against different opponents until January. This change replaces the traditional group stage, aiming to bring more competitive fixtures and, presumably, excitement. Manchester United’s draw against FC Twente serves as an unfortunate indication that adapting to this new format could be challenging for some top-tier clubs.
### Other Europa League Results
The Europa League’s action-packed day also saw several other matches unfold with significant outcomes:
– Galatasaray claimed a dominant 3-1 victory over PAOK.
– Lazio comfortably defeated Dynamo Kyiv 3-0.
– Real Sociedad and Nice played out a 1-1 stalemate.
– Midtjylland and Hoffenheim shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
– Anderlecht managed a 2-1 win against Ferencvaros.
– Sparta Prague emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Ludogorets.
### Looking Ahead
For Manchester United, the focus now shifts to addressing their inefficiencies and ensuring more clinical performances in the upcoming fixtures. Ten Hag’s message is crystal clear: “There’s a lot of football [still to play] when you [are] one up and the game takes more than 90 minutes. You have to fight until the end and score the second goal.”
Only time will tell if his team can heed this advice and translate it into on-field success. With the season in its early stages, there remains ample opportunity for the Red Devils to recover and assert their dominance, but it will require nothing less than a 100% commitment from the squad.
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