Europa League: Erik Ten Hag highlights big mistake from the draw against Twente

Erik ten Hag expressed his frustration with Manchester United's performance following a disappointing 1-1 draw against FC Twente in their Europa League opener on Wednesday. The match at Old Trafford saw Christian Eriksen initially put United ahead with a powerful strike in the 35th minute. However, a critical mistake from the Danish midfielder turned the tide in the second half. In a moment of carelessness, Eriksen was dispossessed by Twente's Sam Lammers while attempting a risky turn under pressure, allowing Lammers to equalize with a shot past goalkeeper Andre Onana in the 68th minute. Despite Eriksen's blunder being pivotal, Ten Hag refrained from placing the blame solely on him. Instead, the United manager emphasized that the entire team must share the responsibility for failing to maintain their lead. This collective accountability reflects Ten Hag's philosophy of unity and teamwork, especially in challenging situations. He pointed out that the side must learn from such lapses if they hope to achieve success in the competition.

The draw has raised concerns about United's consistency and ability to capitalize on their opportunities, particularly as they aim to regain their form after a shaky start to the Premier League season. Ten Hag's comments underline the need for a cohesive effort moving forward, as the team prepares for upcoming fixtures and looks to bounce back from this setback.

"We kept them alive, 1-0 up, controlling the game you have to be consistent and keep going. In the second half we dropped the level, gave the goal away. We didn't finish it off, we had to go for the second goal and so they stay alive and we get punished with a mistake from ourselves," Ten Hag said.

Erik ten Hag, who has deep ties to FC Twente after spending a combined 23 years there as a player and in various coaching roles, faced a challenging homecoming as the Eredivisie side capitalized on Manchester United's inconsistencies. Following a disappointing goalless draw at Crystal Palace just days earlier, United's performance against Twente echoed their ongoing struggles.

In the wake of the 1-1 draw, Christian Eriksen raised concerns about the team’s desire and commitment on the pitch. His questioning highlighted a troubling trend for United, as their recent run in European competitions has been far from encouraging, with only one win in their last nine matches. This ongoing lack of form has not only frustrated fans but also put pressure on the players and management alike.

Ten Hag's return to Twente was meant to be a positive reunion, but instead, it turned into a reminder of the challenges he faces in reviving United’s fortunes. The team’s inability to maintain leads and execute under pressure has become a recurring issue. As they prepare for upcoming matches, Ten Hag must find a way to instill greater urgency and determination within the squad, ensuring they can compete effectively and reclaim their status in European football. The path ahead will require resilience and a collective effort from all players to turn the tide.