The Same Old Story: Manchester United need to turn a corner quickly against Tottenham after Twente troubles

Manchester United have faltered once again and were held to a frustrating 1-1- draw by Dutch outfit FC Twent in their UEFA Europa League opener (September 25). This comes after a 0-0 stalemate against Crystal Palace in the Premier League and the pressure is growing on Erik ten Hag.

The Reds should have won the game after Christian Eriksen struck a fierce effort in the top corner in the 35th minute. Ten Hag's side controlled proceedings but lapses in concentration allowed Twente back into the game. Eriksen turned from hero to villain, too easily dispossesed and Dutch forward Sam Lammers struck past Andre Onana in the 68th minute.

Where do Manchester United go from here? On Sunday, they have a crucial encounter with potential top-four rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford (September 29). Ten Hag needs to turn the tide quickly amid the negativity of last season starting to creep in at Old Trafford.

Manchester United must beat Tottenham

Manchester United have now dropped points in their last two consecutive games when they could have been out of sight with chances created. Ten Hag's side had 19 shots to Twente's seven and it was a similar case against Palace with 15 shots to the Eagles' nine at Selhurst Park.

The Red Devils sit 11th in the league and although they look a better team than the one that finished eighth last season, the jury is still out. They need to start getting significant wins on the board with the only victories this season coming against Fulham (1-0), Southampton (3-0) and Barnsley (7-0, Carabao Cup).

United host a Tottenham side this weekend who have similarly been scrutinised recently for haphazard performances. They were beaten 1-0 by their north London rivals Arsenal at home and lost 2-1 away at Newcastle United.

Thus, if the Reds want to establish their intentions to be credible top-four challengers this season, they must beat Spurs. Ten Hag has a concerning record against the Lilywhites since taking over at Old Trafford. He oversaw a 2-0 win in his debut season but has failed to beat them in three attempts since that victory.

We may only be five games into the Premier League campaign but the Red Devils need momentum amid a testing set of fixtures on the horizon. FC Porto (October 3, Europa League), Aston Villa (October 6), Fenerbahce (October 24, Europa League) could prove to be tricky affairs.

Who needs to impress against Tottenham?

Bruno Fernandes has recieved criticism lately for wasteful performances and that was the case against Twente. There was one moment in the dying embers when the captain opted to shoot from a free-kick from long range that particularly drew the ire of fans.

The 30-year-old Portuguese playmaker has long been Manchester United's protagonist and signed a new contract in the summer. He's been crucial for Ten Hag in his trophy triumphs as manager but a shaky start to this season is concerning.

Fernandes needs to refind form quickly as there are alternatives that could be breathing down his neck. Mason Mount might feel that he has a chance to shine in his preferred attacking midfield position while Eriksen has impressed lately aside from his slip up against Twente.

Manchester United vs Tottenham Prediction

Manchester United should be eager to get all three points when Spurs visit on Sunday but it could be another troubling afternoon for the Reds. Rasmus Hojlund came on in the draw against Twente and it will be interesting to see whether he's in the manager's thoughts for the game given recent woes in front of goal.

Tottenham have Dominic Solanke as their target man but he's failed to live up to expectations. Given both sides are encountering issues, a draw looks most likely. Prediction: 2-2

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