Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed frustration over his team’s lack of killer instinct after they were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Twente in the revamped Europa League. The draw, achieved at Old Trafford, has left United’s fans and their manager equally disillusioned given the club’s mediocre performance. Ten Hag’s post-match remarks painted a picture of deep dissatisfaction with his players’ lackluster approach.
Sam Lammers made the most out of an error by Christian Eriksen in the second half, seizing the opportunity to race towards goal and equalize for the Dutch side. “You saw that was the game of their life,” Ten Hag commented regarding FC Twente’s sheer determination and grit. “They fought for every yard, and we didn’t. 99% is not enough; you have to give 100%. You have to kill the game; you have to finish it off.”
Christian Eriksen had initially lifted the spirits of the home crowd with a stunning first-half strike. The Danish playmaker’s precise and powerful shot from just inside the box found the top corner of the net, putting United in the lead at the 35-minute mark. Eriksen’s goal was a moment of sheer brilliance, executed with finesse and velocity, giving United fans a moment of euphoria.
Despite the promising start, it was Twente’s supporters who had the last laugh. Sam Lammers’ equalizer in the 68th minute deflated the Old Trafford crowd. He capitalized on Eriksen’s mistake, driving through the midfield and slotting the ball past United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana at the near post.
In his post-match interview, Ten Hag did not hold back. Highlighting his disappointment, he stated, “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.
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Ten Hag, who once played for and supported FC Twente as a boy growing up in the Netherlands, acknowledged the awkwardness of facing his former club. Yet, sentimentality did not dilute his expectation for Manchester United’s performance. “It’s not nice to hurt something you love,” he said, referring to his emotional connection with the Dutch club. However, it was United fans left to nurse the blow of a missed opportunity for victory.
This 1-1 draw adds to a string of less-than-satisfactory results for Manchester United this season. The Red Devils have managed to secure victory in just three out of seven games across all competitions. The draw against Twente followed another disappointing match, a 0-0 stalemate against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
The revamped Europa League brings a new structure different from the traditional format. The competition now hosts 36 teams instead of the previous 32, featuring a league system in which each team plays eight games against various opponents through January. This replaces the erstwhile group stage format, aiming to bring fresh excitement to the tournament.
Elsewhere in the Europa League, Galatasaray achieved a convincing 3-1 win over PAOK, while Lazio dominated Dynamo Kyiv with a 3-0 victory. Real Sociedad and Nice played to a 1-1 draw, and Midtjylland matched Hoffenheim in another 1-1 affair. Anderlecht managed a narrow 2-1 victory over Ferencvaros, while Sparta Prague secured a 2-0 win against Ludogorets.
As the Europa League continues with its new format, Manchester United will be under the microscope, tasked with finding their form and addressing the inconsistencies that have plagued their recent performances. Erik ten Hag’s stern call for more effort and precision from his players sets the stage for crucial upcoming matches, where the squad must prove they have the resolve and tenacity to compete at their highest level. The manager’s directive is clear: It’s not just about playing; it’s about playing to win, showing the killer instinct that defines champions on Europe’s stage.
