Last season’s FA Cup winners, Manchester United, have secured their place in the Europa League group stage, but they remain a team that is hard to figure out.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, and aside from José Mourinho’s 2017 success in the Europa League, United have struggled to maintain consistency, especially in the Premier League.
They finished a disappointing 8th last season, falling short of their historic status as one of England’s top clubs. Despite a busy summer transfer window, United stumbled before the international break, suffering defeats to Brighton (2-1) and Liverpool (3-0).
Following the break, Manchester United traveled to Southampton, faced Barnsley in the EFL Cup, and took on Crystal Palace in the league.
Meanwhile, Twente came close to qualifying for the Champions League this season but were knocked out by Red Bull Salzburg after a 2-1 loss in Austria and a 3-3 draw at home.
Domestically, Twente has had mixed results, with only one win in their last three matches—a 2-1 victory over NEC Nijmegen, followed by a draw with Sparta Rotterdam and a loss to Utrecht. After the break, Twente hosted Zwolle and Heerenveen, before traveling to Almere City.
United’s striker Rasmus Højlund, who scored 10 goals in the Premier League last season, has yet to feature this season due to injury. Other key absentees include Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, and Luke Shaw, along with summer signing Lenny Yoro, who is also sidelined.
Dutch international Joshua Zirkzee, who scored his first United goal against Fulham, hasn’t found the net since. United will look to key players such as Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Casemiro to elevate their performances.
Twente, heading to Old Trafford, will miss Czech international Michal Sadilek due to injury but still have strong players, including Sam Lammers, who has scored twice in three league matches, and 22-year-old Steijn, who netted 17 goals last season and has already contributed a goal and an assist this season.
Prediction
In 19 of Manchester United’s last 20 Europa League away matches, no more than three goals have been scored, with one recent exception.
United’s home games have also followed a similar pattern, with 18 of their last 20 featuring fewer than 3.5 goals.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Twente
