United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United began the Europa League campaign with an unconvincing point at home against Twente. The draw will do nothing to calm the storm around the attack, which has been underperforming despite strong defensive showings.

United were the better side in the first half and found the net first. Christian Eriksen latched onto a ball bouncing in the box to give the Reds the lead before the break. The Dane has been in fine form recently after scoring twice and assisting twice against Barnsley last week.

As the match progressed, Manchester United became increasingly sloppy, particularly in possession. After scoring, Eriksen lost the ball to Sam Lammers at the back, who made no mistake in his finish and gave the Dutch side a tangible hope.

That hope was soon realized, as a final opportunity for Erik Ten Hag’s side to win it late fell short. Twente’s Lars Unnerstall made a quick-thinking stop from his own player’s flick in stoppage time to earn a crucial away point for the Dutch team.

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The 1-1 draw was poor at best, with United controlling possession and chances created but failing to finish. In the last two matches, the attack has 34 shots with just a single goal.

The inability to score only raises questions about United’s transfer strategy this past summer. Joshua Zirkzee, who has shown flashes of talent, was brought in over more experienced and proven finishers. That type of player is exactly what the team needed in the Twente draw, and United simply does not have one.

Manchester United will need to rebound quickly with Tottenham coming to Old Trafford on Sunday. A loss would all but end any dreams of a league title and would already dent hopes of Champions League football next season.