Manchester United slowed down by Twente, Eriksen turns from hero to villain | Europa League

When Manchester United play well for long periods, as they do here, their attack is one of organised chaos and their defence is compact, as evidenced by their four clean sheets this season. The latter statistic was on track for a fifth until the hapless Christian Eriksen turned from goalscorer to perpetrator, as Sam Lammers hesitated to equalise in the 68th minute.

In pursuit of victory, Erik ten Hag replaced the reinstated Marcus Rashford with Rasmus Højlund, Mason Mount with Joshua Zirkee and Kobbie Mainoo with Eriksen, but that last-ditch effort failed despite a stoppage-time scramble that saw Harry Maguire head on goal, meaning United’s Europa League challenge begins with a point.

After a rousing sing-along of Country Roads that echoed over the PA despite the heavy rain, United continued the good ballwork of Saturday’s goalless draw at Crystal Palace, displaying a possession-based style that Ten Hag’s critics say he is unable to mould, but it was repeated here as André Onana, Lisandro Martínez, Maguire, Manuel Ugarte and Noussair Mazraoui moved the ball between them near goal and in midfield.

Ugarte was also a great player, stealing the ball from Youri Regeer on his debut on halfway – a move he was bought for. Mazraoui did the same when Anass Salah-Eddine went past the left byline. The duel resulted in a corner, which Michel Vlap converted from the left. The ball bounced towards the opposite touchline, Diogo Dalot was intercepted by Bart Van Rooij and passed to Sam Lammers. Twente’s number 10 had space and shot the ball past the left post.

Zirkzee, who again played as United’s No. 9, has a natural play that is more akin to the clever thinking of a playmaker. This was evident in a backheel trick that threw Twente’s defense off course and brought Marcus Rashford into play. His cross was deflected, but United’s attack was once again impressive.

A scramble then broke out in the Twente penalty area involving Diogo Dalot, Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes and an attempt by Christian Eriksen, which was blocked and allowed Lars Unnerstall to intercept the ball. The goalkeeper was next forced to save an unintentional shot from Mees Hilgers when Martínez headed the ball across the six-yard box to Zirkzee and the centre-back clumsily intervened.

Rashford, who benefited from Alejandro Garnacho dropping to the bench, was a force to be reckoned with, as demonstrated by another sprint down the left and an immediate pass to Zirkzee; then a cheeky tunnel of Ricky van Wolfswinkel that drew ‘oohs’ from the Red Devils fans. He was also part of a three-man press with Zirkzee and Fernandes whenever Unnerstall tried to start from the back, and was also the first to congratulate Eriksen on the first goal: a smashing finish that flew into the left corner.

The chance came from a back pass from the ever clever Fernandes to Dalot, who burst into the area where Eriksen took control and finished confidently. The 45 minutes ended with two corners for Twente, but the half belonged to United.

Could Ten Hag’s men continue? When Mitchell Van Bergen threatened down the left, Fernandes led the attack and ensured the No.7 was taken down. A rosy omen that United were not about to forget. Nor was the footwork of Rashford, who confused two Twente defenders and headed him goalwards before Joseph Oosting’s side recovered.

It was a cakewalk for United. They had to stay alert, but Mazraoui’s deft ball control and smooth forward movement showed they were a class (or more) above their opponents. The Moroccan’s forward foray resulted in a corner and Maguire berated himself for slamming the ball straight into Unnerstall’s gloves.

Then Martínez, as he is wont to do, clashed with Sem Steijn, was shown a yellow card and the same player’s free kick was a laser shot that Onana had to parry to the left. Two corners followed, both saved, and soon United were storming into the game through Rashford to grab a second chance and defuse a nerve-racking final half hour. Eriksen tried to bring it about with a corner, but Twente stood firm.

Now the Dutch were in for a treat. Rooij ran 40 metres forward, evaded Maguire, Ugarte tackled and Eriksen got the ball but he dawdled and Lammers ambushed the Dane, ran into the United box and beat Onana on the right. The Twente fans celebrated and although Zirkzee, Mainoo, Garnacho, who came on for Diallo, Dalot and Højlund all threatened, United ended up with a second consecutive draw.