(4-2-3-1) Garnacho and Rashford to lead the attack”, Predicted Man United line up to face Twente today in Ten Hag first Europa Encounter

Manchester United’s Europa League Journey Begins: Predicted Lineup to Face FC Twente

Manchester United is ready to embark on another European campaign, thanks to their dramatic FA Cup victory last season. Their first challenge in the revamped Europa League brings FC Twente to Old Trafford, marking Erik ten Hag’s first venture into this season’s continental competition.

The format of the Europa League has undergone a revamp, where Manchester United will play eight group stage matches — four at home and four away. The aim for United will be to finish in the top eight of their group, a necessary achievement to bypass the additional two playoff games required for the round of 16 qualification.

Although facing FC Twente at home seems to be one of the more favorable fixtures on paper, the unpredictability of football ensures that nothing is guaranteed. The match holds a personal significance for United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, as FC Twente is the team he has supported since his early days.

As United prepares for their first European challenge of the season, let’s take a closer look at the potential lineup and how both teams might approach this encounter.

Match Preview and Tactical Breakdown

FC Twente, managed by Joseph Oosting, tends to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a system that mirrors Manchester United’s tactical setup. A key player for Twente is their attacking midfielder, Sem Steijn, who has been in outstanding form this season. Positioned as the No. 10, Steijn has been a pivotal figure for Twente, contributing six goals and an assist in just six league appearances. His goal-scoring prowess makes him the team’s top scorer so far.

Steijn will likely be partnered in attack by Salah-Eddine, a former Ajax player who was given his first-team debut by Ten Hag himself. Salah-Eddine is thriving at Twente and has added to their attacking firepower. In their previous match, a 5-0 victory over Almere, Salah-Eddine found the back of the net, boosting both his confidence and that of the team as they head into this clash.

One key battle to watch during the match will be between United’s new midfielder, Manuel Ugarte, and Twente’s playmaker, Steijn. Ugarte is expected to make his first start for the club in this match, and facing off against Steijn will provide a tough early test for him.

While FC Twente typically enjoys dominating possession in their domestic league, playing at Old Trafford presents a different challenge. They are aware that controlling the ball for extended periods might be difficult against Manchester United, so they’ll likely focus on counter-attacks and exploiting opportunities during transitions.

Manchester United’s Game Plan

For Manchester United, the strategy will likely be to take control of the game by pressing high and forcing turnovers. Erik ten Hag’s philosophy, reminiscent of his days at Ajax, revolves around dominating possession and territory, which means United will aim to camp in Twente’s half for much of the game.

United’s fullbacks are expected to play a crucial role by inverting into central areas during transitions, providing additional support in midfield. By doing so, they’ll help close down any counter-attacking opportunities that Twente might look to create.

This is a game where Manchester United should assert their authority and dictate the pace from the start. With the home advantage and a squad brimming with talent, Ten Hag’s side will aim to get their Europa League campaign off to a winning start.

Predicted Manchester United Starting Lineup:

Goalkeeper:

Onana

Defenders:

Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot

Midfielders:

Ugarte, Mainoo

Attackers:

Antony, Fernandes, Rashford

Striker:

Zirkzee

In this predicted lineup, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are expected to lead United’s attacking line, providing pace and creativity. Bruno Fernandes will continue to orchestrate the midfield, while Antony’s dribbling and flair on the right wing will add another dimension to the attack. At the back, Maguire and Martinez are anticipated to form a solid defensive partnership.

With all eyes on Erik ten Hag, Manchester United will be eager to prove themselves in the Europa League and make a strong start at Old Trafford. A victory against FC Twente would be a crucial first step in what promises to be an exciting European adventure for the Red Devils.
Manchester United’s Europa League opener against FC Twente will undoubtedly be a key moment in their season, especially with Erik ten Hag facing his boyhood club. Given their ambitions in Europe and the revamped tournament structure, Ten Hag will likely approach this match with a balance of strength and rotation.

### Predicted Manchester United Starting Lineup:

**Goalkeeper:**
– **Onana** – Likely to be the first-choice keeper in European competitions, ensuring stability at the back.

**Defenders:**
– **Mazraoui** – Versatile, and with his ability to play both flanks, he may be used as a left-back due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Malacia.
– **Maguire** – Expected to start and take on a leadership role in defense, especially in European matches.
– **Martinez** – Ten Hag will want a strong partnership at the back, and Martinez adds aggression and composure.
– **Dalot** – With his ability to invert into central areas, Dalot is expected to play a key role in controlling the midfield.

**Midfielders:**
– **Ugarte** – In line to make his first start, Ugarte will look to provide defensive solidity and dictate the tempo from deep.
– **Mainoo** – Having impressed in early appearances, Mainoo could be given the chance to continue his development in Europe.

**Attackers:**
– **Antony** – Ten Hag will want to keep his right-wing threat fresh, with Antony’s creativity and dribbling expected to trouble Twente’s defense.
– **Fernandes** – The captain will pull the strings in midfield, providing creativity and pressing high up the pitch.
– **Rashford** – Rashford’s pace and ability to run in behind will be essential to break down Twente’s defense.

**Striker:**
– **Zirkzee** – With Hojlund still recovering, Zirkzee is likely to lead the line, building on his performances in the Premier League.

### Tactical Outlook:

United will aim to dominate possession, press high, and suffocate Twente’s counter-attacking threats. Mazraoui and Dalot’s potential roles in midfield when inverting will provide numerical superiority, allowing the likes of Fernandes and Ugarte to control the tempo.

### Key Matchups:
– **Ugarte vs. Steijn** – This will be a pivotal battle, as Ugarte looks to suppress Twente’s top playmaker.
– **Rashford vs. Twente’s defense** – Rashford’s pace and cutting edge could make the difference, especially against a Twente side that may struggle with United’s physicality.

A strong performance will be crucial for Manchester United as they aim to bypass the additional playoff rounds and position themselves among the top contenders in this revamped Europa League.