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      Man Utd given embarrassing new nickname as fans spot bizarre Europa League coincidence after FC Twente draw

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a brutal new nickname following their 1-1 draw with FC Twente on Wednesday.Erik ten Hag’s side failed to make a winning start to their Europa League campaign as they were held by their Dutch opponents at Old Trafford.Manchester United were frustrated by FC Twente in the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s side have been ridiculed with a new nicknameCredit: GettyThe result leaves them 11th in the league phase of the new-look competition – which consists of 36 sides in the same division.The top eight progress straight through to the last 16 of the Europa League, while ninth to 24th go into two-legged play-offs.And Man Utd’s position in the table after one of their eight fixtures coincidentally mirrors their Premier League spot.They are also 11th in England’s top flight following two wins, one draw and two defeats from their opening five matches.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThis led them to be labelled “11th FC” on social media.To which one fan replied: “Consistency is key for Man Utd, so what you saying!? 😂”Another added: “11th in Europa League is a new level of low, even for Ten Hag loool đŸ€ŁđŸ˜­.”A third responded: “Erik Eleven Hag.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd a fourth said: “Lol they have taken over Chelsea’s position of last season 😂.”Ten Hag was uncharacteristically critical of his side following the draw to Twente.Erik ten Hag criticises Man Utd’s desire in Twente draw He said: “When you have ambition then you have to perform, you have to prove that point.”Today, especially in the second half, I think we were too easy-going, too complacent.”We didn’t bring it over the line and, as a team, you have to deliver this.”Man Utd’s other seven fixtures in the Europa League are against Porto, Fenerbahce, PAOK, Bodo/Glimt, Viktoria Plzen, Rangers and FCSB.But next up they return to Premier League action when they host Tottenham on Sunday.Man Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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      Which post-Sir Alex Ferguson Man Utd manager has best European record as Erik ten Hag’s horror stats revealed

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      ERIK TEN HAG’S Manchester United have won just one of their last nine matches in Europe.The Dutchman may have won two domestic cups since arriving at Old Trafford.Erik ten Hag has endured a miserable run in EuropeCredit: AlamyHow does his record compare to compatriot Louis van Gaal?Credit: GettyHowever, last season’s eighth-placed finish was the club’s worst in the Premier League era.And he has struggled to make his mark on the continent, too.On Wednesday, Ten Hag saw his Red Devils take the lead against former club FC Twente.But goalscorer Christian Eriksen had his pocket picked before the Eredivisie outfit grabbed an equaliser. READ MORE ON MAN UTDFrom his 19 matches across the Champions League and Europa League since 2022-23, Ten Hag has now collected nine wins, four draws and six defeats.Of those nine wins, five came in the Europa League group stage in his first season – two against Sheriff Tiraspol and Omonia apiece with another three points against Real Sociedad. United did beat Barcelona at home in the knockout play-off round then saw off Real Betis home and away but then fell to Sevilla. In last season’s chaotic Champions League campaign, Ten Hag’s side managed one win against Copenhagen, a draw at Galatasaray and four defeats in Group A which also featured Bayern Munich. Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited finished bottom of the group to be knocked out of Europe.This term, they began with that disappointing draw against Twente – to extend the miserable recent run ahead of facing Porto, Fenerbahce, PAOK, Bodo/Glimt, Viktoria Plzen, Rangers and Steaua Bucuresti in the new Europa League format. Erik ten Hag ‘couldn’t wait to drop’ Man Utd starter for player who ‘isn’t much of an upgrade’, says Paul Scholes Ten Hag fumed: “We kept them alive when 1-0 up controlling the game and then you have to be consistent and keep going in the second half, we dropped the level and gave a goal away.”We didn’t finish it off, we had to go for the second goal and they stayed alive and we got punished with a mistake from ourselves. “It was the game of their life, they fought for every yard and we didn’t – 99 per cent is not enough, you have to give 100 per cent, you have to kill the game, finish it off, we are leading 1-0, but you have to go for the second goal, then you kill the game.”Especially as we are very ambitious and when you have ambition you have to perform, prove the point and especially today in the second half we were too complacent, we didn’t bring it over the line and, as a team, you have to bring this.”Today I have some criticism. It is not only the team that has to look in the mirror, I am part of it.”Wednesday’s result bumped Ten Hag’s Manchester United win rate in European football below 50 per cent to 47 per cent. But that record is not the worst of recent United bosses.Since Sir Alex Ferguson, seven managers have led United in Europe.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages.The two interim bosses top and tail the list with Ralf Rangnick’s win rate zero per cent with two draws and a defeat while Michael Carrick secured victory in his one match.That was a 2-0 win at Villarreal in the Champions League with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho. Ten Hag is only ahead of Louis van Gaal of the permanent bosses with the fellow Dutchman picking up three wins from his ten matches. David Moyes managed victory in five of his ten games to return a 50 per cent win rate.That is marginally behind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on 54 per cent.The Norwegian took charge of 35 European matches for United – more than anyone since Ferguson – and won 19, drew six and lost ten.But of the permanent bosses, Jose Mourinho leads the way.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe secured 18 victories, five draws and six defeats from 29 games to rack up an impressive 62 per cent win rate.The Special One even lifted the Europa League trophy in 2017, beating Ajax in Stockholm to secure United’s sixth European trophy in their history. Jose Mourinho led the Red Devils to Europa League glory in 2017Credit: Getty – ContributorRalf Rangnick failed to win any of his three matches in EuropeCredit: ReutersDavid Moyes earned a 50 per cent win rateCredit: AFPOle Gunnar Solskjaer has taken charge of the most United matches in Europe since Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd star was thinking ‘dude, leave me alone’ when Ten Hag was speaking to him, claims Premier League legend

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      PREMIER LEAGUE legend Ruud Gullit reckons a Manchester United star was wishing to be “left alone” as Erik ten Hag talked to him.The incident occurred during last night’s Europa League clash against FC Twente.Alejandro Garnacho’s body language towards Erik ten Hag was pointed out by Ruud GullitThe winger was a second-half sub in Man Utd’s draw with TwenteCredit: GettyUnited took the lead through Christian Eriksen in the 35th minute.But the Dane turned from hero to villain as his mistake allowed Twente to net a 68th minute equaliser.Ten Hag’s Red Devils could not find a way through to goal again.And they were jeered off the pitch by irate home supporters, who have seen United draw twice since thrashing Barnsley 7-0 in the Carabao Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne star who was left out of the starting XI last night was Argentina international Garnacho.The winger is regarded as one of football’s most exciting youngsters.And Ten Hag eventually brought him off the bench just one minute before Twente’s equaliser.As Garnacho prepared for the pitch, his Dutch boss leaned over before giving him tactical instructions.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Premier League icon Ruud Gullit reckoned Garnacho would rather have been left alone.Talking on Ziggo Sport, the former Chelsea star felt Ten Hag was being more of a hindrance than a help based on Garnacho’s body language.’Man Utd have wrong bald Dutch manager’ – how Slot schooled Ten Hag at Old TraffordGullit felt Garnacho wanted to say ‘leave me alone, man’Credit: PATen Hag’s men have now drawn twice since thrashing Barnsley 7-0Credit: GettyAnd Gullit believed the forward was thinking: “Leave me alone, man!”He said: “Ten Hag wanted to have a meeting with Garnacho, but he didn’t feel like it at all.“Garnacho was preparing to come on and Ten Hag kept talking to him.“You can just see it when a player thinks: ‘Dude, leave me alone, man!’On United’s performance, Gullit added: “As a coach, you also see things happening that just don’t go well.“I also saw Ruud van Nistelrooy constantly in the picture. He wasn’t happy.“Even Casemiro got involved. You could see that things just weren’t going well.“Am I shocked by the football? No, because I see this every week. I think Twente played sensibly.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You could see that they gained a bit more confidence after a cautious start to the match.“At some point you have to give them a little test and they did that well.”Man Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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      Man Utd fans spot clear reason they are losing games as ten Hag’s flops ‘paid dearly’ for error in FC Twente clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have criticised Erik ten Hag’s decision making in the wake of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with FC Twente.The Red Devils took just a point from the Europa League group stage clash following a second-half equaliser from Sam Lammers.Erik ten Hag has been criticised for his decision makingCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford was one of the players to be hauled off during the second halfCredit: GettyThey failed to make the most of their momentum following Christian Eriksen’s 35th-minute strike and subsequently paid the price.And fans believe it was largely down to Ten Hag’s substitutions.The Dutchman made his first change after 67 minutes, replacing Alejandro Garnacho with Amad Diallo.But it was his triple substitution 12 minutes later that raised some eyebrows.Read More in FootballJoshua Zirkzee, who looked dangerous throughout the clash, was replaced by Mason Mount.Eriksen made way for Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford, who was enjoying one of his best games of the season so far, was hauled off for Rasmus Hojlund.Fans were left baffled by Ten Hag’s decisions, with one person taking to social media to write: “Ten Hag takes too long to make subs and it’s costing us games.”Another commented: “Ten Hag and his poorly-timed subs. Should have subbed Eriksen at the 60th minute. Today we paid dearly.”Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third said: “Second half was terrible, defending for their equaliser was awful, poor subs and game management from Ten Hag. Fernandes is having a shocker.”A fourth wrote: “Don’t think I have ever seen a manager get subs wrong as much as Ten Hag.”Erik ten Hag ‘couldn’t wait to drop’ Man Utd starter for player who ‘isn’t much of an upgrade’, says Paul Scholes While a fifth added: “Rashford, Eriksen, Zirkzee – three of the best players on pitch getting subbed OFF? I get Eriksen made mistake and out of possession left side was losing control but MAN.. I love Bruno but he is having a stinker. Bruno and Eriksen OFF – Mount, Hojlund on for me.”Twente boss Joseph Oosting revealed his plans to hurt Man Utd before the match even kicked off.He said: “I always believe in opportunities. If we dare to play, we can also create opportunities. Especially in the transition, we can hurt Manchester.”That is easier said than done but the will is definitely there.”We played games against Red Bull [Salzburg] that you learn from.”Everything goes at the highest tempo, whether it is on the ball or in defence.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You have to be top in everything and we need everyone to be there. I think we have also made progress in that.”We have respect for Manchester United, but we also have the full conviction and the will to get the most out of the game.”Man Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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      Son Heung-min admits Tottenham team-mate Bentancur ‘almost cried’ in public apology to him as he faces SIX-MATCH BAN

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      SON HEUNG-MIN maintains there is no problem between himself and team-mate Rodrigo Bentancur – only love.Midfielder Bentancur has been charged by the FA for his discriminatory comments about Son and faces a maximum punishment of a 12-game ban.Tottenham star Son Heung-min maintains there is no problem between himself and Rodrigo BentancurCredit: GettyTottenham ace Bentancur has been charged by the FA for discriminatory comments about SonCredit: GettyThe 27-year-old was asked by a presenter on Uruguayan TV in June for a Tottenham shirt and replied: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”He apologised to Son afterwards and is awaiting his fate, with the FA likely to recommend at least a six-match suspension to the regulatory commission that will hand down his sentence.Spurs skipper Son, 32, said: “At the moment, there’s a process from the FA, that’s why I can’t say much about it. But I love Rodrigo, I love him.“We have a lot of good memories, we started playing together when he joined.Read More on Football“He apologised straight afterwards when we [were on] holiday.“I was at home, I didn’t even realise what was going on. He just sent me a long message, and you could feel it was coming from his heart.“When we came back to the training ground for pre-season, he was really sorry and he almost cried.“He apologised in public and personally as well. It felt like he was really sorry. We’re all human, we make mistakes, we learn from it. I love Rodrigo, I love him, I love him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“He knows he made a mistake but I have no problem at all. We move on as a teammate, as a friend, as a brother. We move on together.”Both Bentancur and Son could start Thursday’s Europa League opener against Azerbaijani side Qarabag.Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showLast season, Tottenham played just 41 games as they were not in Europe and crashed out of the cups early.But they face an extended schedule this year and Son joined Manchester City star Rodri in speaking out against the dangers of a fixture overload.The South Korean icon said: “We’re not robots. We have to look after that and reduce the games definitely – better quality definitely should be the aim.“It’s normal that everyone is at high risk of injury. It’s not fair. Rodri said the right things. We play 50, 60 games and not more than 70 games. It’s not fair.”Son is closing in on 10 years at Spurs but only feels he will earn “legend” status for the club if he wins a trophy.His current deal expires at the end of this season, though SunSport understands Spurs will trigger an option to extend his deal until the summer of 2026.Son discusses contractWhen asked about his contract situation, Son replied: “We haven’t talked [about] anything yet.“I’m just fully focused on this situation and this year. I just want to win something that everybody in this club and these players and all around deserves.“That’s what I’m working for. In the future, you never know what’s going to happen.“But I will make sure I give everything for this club. It’s almost ten years that I give everything.”Cristian Romero is suspended for Thursday’s match, while Djed Spence and Sergio Reguilon are ineligible.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt will be Ange Postecoglou’s maiden European game as Spurs boss. The Aussie added: “For us as a group it will be the first time, the squad has changed a lot in the last 12 months.“I see it as a fantastic opportunity to evolve as a team in a footballing sense and hopefully gets us closer to our goal.” More

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      Man Utd ratings: Improved Rashford stakes England claim in front of Lee Carsley as Zirkzee is hooked again

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against Twente at Old Trafford.Christian Eriksen opened the scoring after 35 minutes to show why United are among the favourites to win the competition this season.Manchester United ace Christian Eriksen opened the scoring with a fantastic strikeCredit: GettyBut Man Utd’s were unable to secure victory over FC TwenteCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford was a bag of tricks and lookedCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee struggled for Man Utd against TwenteCredit: AlamyHowever, the visitors became the latest side to shock Erik ten Hag’s on 68 minutes when Sam Lammers equalised.The result deals a blow in the Red Devils’ hopes of finishing in the top eight of the League Phase, which would guarantee a place in the Last 16 of the Europa League and save them playing two extra fixtures.But who stood out for Man Utd? Who failed to live up to expectation? Here’s how Martin Blackburn rates each of Ten Hag’s players:ANDRE ONANA – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Read More on Man UtdDIOGO DALOT – 6 Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6 Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with header cleared off line. LISANDRO MARTINEZ –  7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.  NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front. Most read in Europa LeagueFurious Man Utd boss Ten Hag tells Jamie Redknapp ‘as a person you’re not OK’ as he slams pundit’s Rashford speculationCHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser. MANUEL UGARTE – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser. MARCUS RASHFORD – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self. BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.AMAD DIALLO – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half. JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund. SUBSALEJANDRO GARNACHO for Diallo 67 – 6 Got an earful off Erik ten Hag for not doing his bit defensively.KOBBIE MAINOO for Eriksen 78 – 5 Went to ground too easily as he got a  sight of goal. READ MORE SUN STORIESMASON MOUNT for Zirkzee 79 – 5 Teed up a late chance for Garnacho RASMUS HOJLUND for Rashford 79 – 5 Still working his way back to fitness after injury. Martinez dominated in Man Utd’s defenceMan Utd failed to kill the game against Twente More

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      Man Utd 1 FC Twente 1: Erik ten Hag let down by flops once again as Christian Eriksen goes from hero to zero

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      ERIK TEN HAG was left frustrated as Manchester United failed to kill off a game again.It has become a recurring theme under the boss.Christian Eriksen was the Jekyll and Hyde double act for Man Utd against FC TwenteCredit: EPAEriksen rifled home the opener near the end of the first halfCredit: GettySam Lammers slotted home a second-half equaliserCredit: GettyBefore the game he had urged his players to find that lethal touch in the box to finish teams off.But despite having 19 efforts at goal only five were on target and one of them was from a Twente playerThey had failed to take chances in the goalless draw at Crystal Palace at the weekend too.New coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is still to work his magic on the Carrington training pitches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn top from a Christian Eriksen strike on 35 minutes, it seemed they were going to have the perfect start against Ten Hag’s former club in this Europa League opener.He had said before the game “it is not nice to have to hurt something you love” as he sensed victory against the team he played for in three spells and still supports.But they were the one’s breaking his heart with a second-half equaliser to share the points through Sam Lammers.There was a nice touch before the game when Steve McClaren was presented with a commemorative plaque on the pitch by Sir Alex Ferguson.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMcClaren was of course Ferguson’s assistant in that amazing treble season of 1998-99 and has just left the club after his second spell to become boss of Jamaica.More importantly for the lively visiting fans, he was FC Twente coach when they won their first and only Dutch title in 2009-10.Man Utd fans hail boss Erik ten Hag for having ‘a better touch than Hojlund’ after spotting mad ball skills in trainingHe was given a rousing reception by them as they chanted his name.They very nearly had something else to celebrate early in the game when Diogo Dalot lost out to Bart van Rooij, who crossed into the six yard box.Lammers got the slightest of touches to deflect wide and beyond Andre Onana but the ball ran just wide of the far post.Marcus Rashford was back in the team after being left out the starting line up for the game at Selhurst Park.It was a surprise move given that he had scored three goals in two games.And it brought much comment from pundit’s to the annoyance of Erik ten Hag, who has emphasised his need to rotate with so many games coming thick and fast.Rashford showed that he felt he had a point to prove not just to Ten Hag but interim England boss Lee Carsley, who was in the stands.His form last season saw him lose out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad, but Carsley has already proved he is prepared to give players another chance.The forward looked lively from the start, tearing down the left flank as Amad Diallo did likewise down the right.Marcus Rashford looked bright throughoutCredit: AlamyWhile Joshua Zirkzee struggled to have a huge influence on the gameCredit: PAHe was full of tricks, with one nutmeg drawing huge cheers.In the 26th minute, there was very nearly a bizarre own goal in United’s favour.When Lisandro Martinez thumped a header across goal towards Zirkzee, Mees Hilgers intervened with a flick.But it forced his goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall into an incredible save to prevent the ball nestling in his top corner.The Red Devils then took the lead through a fabulous strike from Eriksen.Bruno Fernandes played the ball into the box for Diogo Dalot and, when he was challenged, it broke loose.Eriksen was first on the scene with a first-time drive that flew into the far top corner.United were in the ascendancy but Ten Hag will have wanted them to press that advantage home.Diallo tried to do just that as he turned on the afterburners and tore into the box to win a corner soon after the break.Lammers thundered an effort past Andre OnanaCredit: APThere were jubilant celebrations from the Dutch sideCredit: GettyEriksen swung it over and, when Harry Maguire met it with his head, the ball was blocked and fell back to the United centre-back whose volley was straight at the goalkeeper.Rashford was having a good night and went on to dispossess Youri Regeer and run half the length of the pitch before he found Eriksen, who fed Noussair Mazraoui.The move broke down, however, as United’s new full-back played a chipped cross that found nobody. Too many moves broke down.Lisandro Martinez reminded everybody why he was nicknamed ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’ in his time at Ajax when he took out Sam Steijn 30 yards from United’s goal.It earned him a booking and the visitors a free kick.Steijn picked himself up to take it and his low shot around the wall almost crept into the far corner, but was kept out by Onana’s finger tips.However, United failed to heed the warning and Twente drew level in the 67th minute.Bart Van Rooij charged through the United ranks before an interception from Manuel Ugarte.The ball broke to Eriksen, who thought he had more time than he did.The Dane then saw his pocket picked by Lammers, who charged into the box and fired home at Onana’s near post.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn injury time, a Maguire header was saved brilliantly on the line by UnnerstallBack to the drawing board, again.Kobbie Mainoo had a late penalty appeal waved awayCredit: ReutersHarry Maguire forced a late scare with an injury time headerCredit: PAMan Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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      Police detain SIXTY armed fans with knives and other weapons after trying to avoid escort to Europa League clash

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      GERMAN police have detained armed Lazio fans ahead of the Europa League clash with Dynamo Kyiv in Hamburg.About 60 away fans were stopped by the authorities after attempting to avoid a police escort.German police have arrested about 60 armed Lazio fans before the game with Dynamo KievCredit: GettyCops claim the supporters were found to be carrying knives, clubs and other weapons.Those fans were checked late Tuesday and detained until Wednesday.Lazio released a statement which confirmed the fans held overnight have been banned from attending the game at the Volksparkstadion.However, the Serie A giants also announced that there were no arrests.Read More on FootballUkrainian giants Dynamo are playing their home games in Hamburg this season because of the war in their homeland after Russia’s illegal invasion back in 2022.Lazio have been hit with numerous sanctions both in Serie A and Europe because of fan trouble throughout the years.Last March, a Lazio fan was arrested and fined for giving a Nazi salute inside the beer hall where Hitler founded the party before a Champions League match against Bayern Munich.A year earlier, a fan wearing a shirt with a reference to Hitler was slapped with a lifetime ban from attending Lazio matches by the Roman club. Most read in Europa LeagueAuthorities reviewed security camera footage from inside the Olimpico of the fan wearing a Lazio shirt that read “Hitlerson” and the No88, which is a numerical code for “Heil Hitler”.Football hooligans started the SPFL season with a brawl in Paisley as St Mirren met Hibs Two seasons ago, the Laziali were ordered to play a Serie A game with part of their home ground closed to spectators after fans directed racist chants at opposing players. More