It was yet another lackluster performance from Manchester United in their opening Europa League fixture against Twente at Old Trafford. The Red Devils failed to capitalize on their chances and ended up dropping two crucial points at home, points that could prove costly as the competition progresses.
With the new format of the Europa League following suit with the Champions League, it seemed that United would come away with a comfortable victory. However, the Dutch opposition made United feel like it had run out of ideas.
United now have just one win in their last nine European fixtures. A shocking record to say the least.
Matthijs de Ligt and Kobbie Mainoo were the only players left out of the starting XI, as Ten Hag has focused on managing every player's game time as the season rolls on. Christian Eriksen's fourth successive start was the only inclusion that raised some eyebrows.
United began the game, dominating most of the possession and trying to keep Twente at bay. The visiting side almost took the lead when Dalot was dispossessed on the left wing, and Sam Lammers touched the cross just wide across the face of the goal. The first major threat to United's goal.
United's only chance in the first 25 minutes came from a cross deflected by Mees Hilgers towards his own goal, which was kept out by Twente no.1 Lars Unnerstall. Ten minutes later, United eventually managed to break the deadlock, with Christian Eriksen getting on the end of a loose ball in the Twente penalty area. Eriksen unleashed a fierce strike that ended in the top corner, giving United the lead. United went into half-time ahead but not victorious.
The second half began with Twente's positive intent, as Sam Steijn's free-kick was parried away by Andre Onana. The visiting team's pressure soon paid off on the 66th minute.
Twente right-back Bart van Rooij picked up the ball from his half and charged into the United half, with four players unable to stop his charge. Eventually, Ugarte broke his run, and the ball fell into Christian Eriksen's path. The Dane took too long on the ball and was immediately dispossessed by Sam Lammers. The Twente number ten rushed into the United box before slotting his shot past Andre Onana.
After the goal, Twente looked more threatening for longer periods, with United coming close to scoring twice through Joshua Zirkzee and Bruno Fernandes.
Here is the performance of every United player, rated out of 10.
Andre Onana - 7/10
He was up to the task whenever tested, but there his judgment with regard to positioning was questionable in Twente's goal.
Noussair Mazraoui - 6/10
Arguably, it was his weakest performance in a United shirt so far. Gave away possession several times and found it hard to deal with opposition runners on his wing.
Harry Maguire - 6/10
He was having a decent game until he made a grave error in the build-up to Twente's goal. His decision to commit to the ball allowed United to be a man short at the back and eventually concede.
Lisandro Martinez - 7/10
Managed to diffuse several Twente attacks and also managed to play the ball out of defense to build up attacks for United.
Diogo Dalot - 6/10
He was lucky to have not conceded after his being dispossessed led to the game's first chance. Played a good part in shielding the ball which allowed Eriksen to shoot and score.
Manuel Ugarte - 7/10
An impressive full debut by the Uruguayan in terms of retaining possession and breaking down Twente's attacks. Needs to work more on his passing and first touch.
Christian Eriksen - 6/10
A game of contrasting fortunes for the Dane. Scored a wonderful goal but eventually conceded possession for Twente to score the equalizer. Couldn't regain his confidence after that.
Bruno Fernandes - 6/10
The captain put in a good shift in midfield, but he was very limited creatively. He only managed to get one shot, which flew just over the crossbar.
Amad Diallo - 6/10
Struggled to make an impact in the game and only showed flashes of his quality. Needs to be more creative to beat his defender.
Marcus Rashford - 8/10
He was United's most threatening creative outlet all night. He managed to get the better of his defender several times throughout the game, but he couldn't translate that into anything meaningful.
Joshua Zirkzee - 5/10
This youngster has great technical prowess but still hasn't found his mojo in the team. He tested the opposition keeper with one chance, but that was pretty much it.
Alejandro Garnacho - 6/10
He managed to spark some life back into the United attack after being subbed on for Amad but couldn't find his team the winning goal.
Other players who came on from the bench were Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount but didn't play enough to receive a numerical rating.
United shift their focus back to the Premier League when Spurs visit Old Trafford this Sunday.