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Manchester United’s latest quest for European silverware begins on Wednesday when Twente host the competitive phase of the UEFA Europa League.
Despite finishing eighth in the Premier League last season, their FA Cup win last spring meant they qualified for the Europa League. The competition offers the team – and manager Erik ten Hag in particular – the opportunity to redeem themselves after the chaos of last season, even though that may not be an easy task. They open their European campaign against Twente, where Ten Hag made more than 200 appearances during his playing days. The Dutch team is currently also further in the Eredivisie after three wins in the first six games.
Here’s what you need to know before you tune in.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Wednesday September 25 | Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Location: Old Trafford – Stretford, England
- Live stream: Biggest+
- Chances: Manchester United-370; Sign +470; Twente +850
Storylines
If this season is supposed to provide a redemption story for ten Hag and company, it’s nowhere in sight so far. United have just seven points from the first five games of the Premier League season, the last of which came from the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday, and are plagued by many of the same problems from last season.
Although they appear to be less chaotic this time around, United’s goal difference of zero offers the first glimpse of their problems. Their defense is still problematic – they have conceded five goals in five games – but are struggling to score, a bit different from last season when they conceded and scored in big numbers. They have been generally wasteful, notably underperforming expected goals in three of their first five league games. No United player has scored more than one goal or assist so far this season, which gives the sense that he is yet to start at full strength – or suggests that trouble lies ahead.
Prediction
United are undoubtedly imperfect, but they have the tools they need to beat Twente and are rightly the oddsmakers’ favorites in this match. However, given their recent form in front of goal, you shouldn’t expect it to be a particularly interesting match. Choose: Manchester United 1, Twente 0