Man Utd: Erik ten Hag may soon face impossible decision as Red Devils held by FC Twente | Football | Sport

Manchester United suffered a frustrating start to their Europa League campaign on Wednesday night as FC Twente held them to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Christian Eriksen continued his purple patch with a thunderous first-half strike. However, a mistake from the Dane allowed Sam Lammers to equalise in the 68th minute, and United couldn’t find a winner.

Express Sport runs through the top talking points from a cold, wet and disappointing evening in Manchester…

Bruno Fernandes concerns rise

United supporters have grown accustomed to seeing Bruno Fernandes as an automatic fixture in the starting lineup, no matter the competition.

But he was fortunate not to be rested after a below-par display at Crystal Palace, and the Red Devils captain was once again underwhelming against Twente.

With Eriksen in hot goalscoring form and Mason Mount back to fitness, Ten Hag could soon have a very difficult decision to make.

Christian Eriksen plays his part

It was a surprise to see United cash in on Scott McTominay but retain Eriksen in the summer transfer window, regardless of the Scotsman’s superior market value.

But Ten Hag called on the 32-year-old to fill in for Casemiro after the latter’s disaster against Liverpool, and he has repaid his faith with three goals and one assist in four consecutive starts.

Eriksen produced another positive performance alongside new £50million man Manuel Ugarte… until fatigue seemingly took its toll on him for Twente’s equaliser.

It was an unfortunate lapse in concentration that will undoubtedly overshadow a night on which he showcased he has plenty to offer this season.

Man Utd contain Sem Steijn

Sem Steijn descended on Old Trafford as the visitors’ biggest threat but was nullified by United before his withdrawal on the hour mark.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has already scored six goals this season and netted 17 times in the last.

He was notably a talking point ahead of the match for his one-on-one training sessions with none other than United assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Considering the trend of Ten Hag’s previous signings as United boss, it may not be out of the question that the two work together in England in the not-so-distant future.

Erik ten Hag’s Euro woes

Ten Hag could really do with a good result in Europe. Since the start of last season, his record makes sour reading.

United won just one of their six Champions League group games as they finished rock bottom in Group A last term. They also drew one but lost four.

Including their result against Twente and their Europa League draw and defeat to Sevilla in the 2022/23 Europa League, United have won just one of their last nine European games.

It’s a record that simply needs to improve.