On Wednesday night, Manchester United kicks off their 2024-25 Europa League campaign at Old Trafford against FC Twente. This match marks the first time these two teams have faced each other. Historically, United has had a strong home record against Dutch teams, losing just once in their last nine encounters.
After finishing eighth in the Premier League last season, Manchester United is making its seventh appearance in the Europa League since its rebranding in 2009, thanks to their FA Cup victory over Manchester City in May.
This season has been a bit of a mixed bag for United. They have won three, lost three, and drawn one of their seven matches in all competitions. Recently, they celebrated back-to-back wins 3-0 against Southampton and a commanding 7-0 against Barnsley before settling for a goalless draw against Crystal Palace last Saturday. Manager Erik ten Hag felt his team played well in the first half against Palace but lacked the finishing touch.
Now, they turn their attention to the Europa League, starting with this home fixture against Twente. Following this match, they will face Porto, Fenerbahce, PAOK, Bodo/Glimt, Viktoria Plzen, Rangers, and FCSB in the expanded competition. With only one loss in their last 24 home Europa League matches, United will be confident as they look to make a strong start.
On the other hand, FC Twente is coming off a solid season, finishing third in the Eredivisie for the first time in a decade. They have had a decent start to this campaign, collecting 11 points from their first six matches, including a recent 2-0 win against Heerenveen and a decisive 5-0 victory over Almere City.
Currently sitting fourth in the Eredivisie and trailing leaders PSV Eindhoven by seven points, Twente is eager to make their mark in Europe again, having last competed in the Europa League group stage in 2012-13. They narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification, losing to Red Bull Salzburg earlier this season.
Joseph Oosting, who has been at the helm since July 2023, is looking to snap Twente's seven-game winless streak in the Europa League. Historically, success against English clubs has been elusive for Twente, with just one win in their last 13 encounters— a 1-0 victory over Fulham in the 2011-12 Europa League group stage.
As the stage is set for an exciting clash, both teams will be keen to make a strong statement in this European campaign.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Manchester United will have to manage without summer signing Leny Yoro (foot), and there are doubts over Luke Shaw (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Victor Lindelof (toe), although Malacia and Lindelof have returned to first-team training.
Despite keeping three consecutive clean sheets, manager Erik ten Hag might look to shake up his defense. Harry Maguire could step in for either Matthijs de Ligt or Lisandro Martinez at center-back, while Manuel Ugarte or Casemiro may start in midfield instead of Kobbie Mainoo or Christian Eriksen.
Marcus Rashford will be eager to reclaim his spot in the starting XI after being surprisingly dropped against Crystal Palace, especially after scoring three goals in his previous two matches. Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, and Antony are also in the mix for positions on the wings, while Joshua Zirkzee is likely to lead the attack as Ten Hag gradually reintegrates Rasmus Hojlund into the lineup.
For FC Twente, midfielder Michal Sadilek, a regular starter last season, is still sidelined with a leg injury from a bicycle accident before Euro 2024. He is joined by Younes Taha, who broke his leg in a recent match against PEC Zwolle.
Coach Joseph Oosting is not expected to make many changes to his starting lineup. Summer signing Bart van Rooij will likely continue at right back alongside Mees Hilgers, Max Bruns, and Anass Salah-Eddine.
Sem Steijn has been a standout player for Twente this season, scoring seven goals in eight games across all competitions. The 22-year-old is expected to play in the number 10 role, supporting former Rangers striker Sam Lammers up front.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Mainoo; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
FC Twente possible starting lineup:
Unnerstall; Van Rooij, Hilgers, Bruns, Salah-Eddine; Eiting, Regger; Rots, Steijn, Van Bergen; Lammers
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Manchester United 3-0 Twente
FC Twente has been hitting their stride in front of goal lately, which could make them a real threat to Manchester United’s defense on Wednesday, especially with their in-form striker, Sem Steijn, leading the charge.
Manchester United has been a bit unpredictable for a while, but we’re confident that the Red Devils will find a way to outscore Twente and kick off their Europa League campaign on a strong note.
