Manchester United begin their UEFA Europa League campaign on Wednesday night with a home clash against FC Twente, marking the first meeting between the two clubs, in what will see their manager, Erik ten Hag, face the very first club he started as a manager, FC Twente’s junior side.
The Red Devils have been inconsistent this season, with three wins, three losses (one on penalties), and a draw across their last seven matches.
Erik ten Hag’s side, however, will aim to build on their impressive home form, having lost just one of their last 24 Europa League fixtures at Old Trafford.
Man United Aim for Strong Start in Europa League | Home Win = 1.33
Despite their less-than-impressive start to the 2024/2025 season, United find themselves experiencing one of their best defensive spells this season with three consecutive clean sheets in their last three games in all competitions and will look to continue in that vein against the Dutch.
However, with recent European campaigns not going exactly according to plan, ten Hag and his Red Devils will be wary of the potential pitfalls that could and could be a European football match, especially one with personal history like the one Ten Hag has with FC Twente.
Twente Target Upset in European Return | Away Win = 9.04
FC Twente enters this fixture with momentum, having secured consecutive league wins over Heerenveen and Almere City, scoring seven goals in the process and conceding none.
The Dutch side, fourth in the Eredivisie, is participating in their first European campaign since 2013 and aims to overcome their seven-game winless streak in the Europa League.
Head coach Joseph Oosting’s squad, led by in-form Sem Steijn and striker Sam Lammers, will be determined to challenge United on a stage they haven't reached in over a decade.
Key Players & Team News:
United could see Harry Maguire reintroduced in defence, while Rashford, Garnacho, and Antony are expected to provide offensive firepower. Injuries to summer signing Leny Yoro and defensive regulars continue to pose selection challenges for Ten Hag.
Twente will rely on Steijn’s attacking prowess and the defensive solidity of Bart van Rooij to counter United’s threats. The absence of Michal Sadilek due to a leg injury is a significant blow to Twente’s midfield balance.
Match Stats & Betting Odds| Draw = 5.94
Manchester United has a favourable record against Dutch teams at home, losing just one of nine previous encounters.| Specials Market: Home & Over 3.5 = 2.55
Twente, on the other hand, who have scored in all their last five (5) games in all competitions, will look to defy the odds, with their last win against English opposition dating back to 2011. |Main Market: GG/NG (Yes) = 1.86
There have been four (4) over 2.5 goals in Man United’s last 5 matches in all comps, while there have been three (3) over 2.5 goals in Twente’s last 5 games in all competitions. | Main Market: Over 3.5 = 2.29
You can follow and bet on the UEFA Europa League game, Man United vs Twente, on MSports here.
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