Manchester Utd vs Twente prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-09-24 19:00.
[p]Such has been the volatility of Manchester United in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, this will be the fourth time in those 11 years since his departure that a season in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) has followed a campaign in the Champions League. Erik ten Hag’s tenure has hardly been the epitome of stability up to this point, but a three-match unbeaten streak since the international break (W2, D1) may suggest that his side are turning a corner.[/p]
[p]The Dutchman was left frustrated by a 0-0 draw to Crystal Palace on Saturday however, as his side dominated the contest for large periods but failed to score. That’s become a theme, with no team in the Premier League having missed more big chances this season than United (17). A UEL game at Old Trafford should help the Red Devils respond, as they’ve lost just one of their last 24 home matches in this competition (W18, D5).[/p]
[p]A first-ever H2H with Twente awaits, and Ten Hag will be familiar with this opposition, having enjoyed three playing stints there and admitting that he still supports the club! The Reds, who are making their first appearance in the main draw of a UEFA competition since 2012/13, could hardly have wished for a tougher fixture to start with on paper, but they actually won their last meeting with English opposition, beating Fulham back in December 2011.[/p]
[p]That is their only victory to date in 13 attempts against teams from these shores however (D5, L7) and the odds are certainly stacked against them here. These are the nights they dreamed of when finishing third in the Eredivisie last season though, so Joseph Oosting’s men will be determined to shine under the bright lights of Old Trafford. A solid start to their domestic campaign will see Twente arrive in Manchester with confidence (W3, D2, L1), not least because their last outing saw them thrash Almere City 5-0![/p]
[p]Key battle: Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is a UEL specialist, having directly contributed to 35 goals in the competition (G20, A15) – more than any other player since his debut. Midfield rival Sem Steijn could take Fernandes’ lead, having scored a brace in consecutive league matches, with all four of those goals arriving before half-time.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: With another shutout here, Man Utd could keep four successive clean sheets for the first time since January 2023.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Ryan Fisher[/i][/p]