Thu Sep 26 06:54:07 UTC 2024: ## Manchester United Stumbles in Europa League Debut, Ten Hag Blasts Players’ Lack of Killer Instinct
Manchester United’s revamped Europa League campaign got off to a shaky start on Wednesday, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by their former manager Erik ten Hag’s old club, FC Twente.
Despite taking the lead through a stunning first-half strike from Christian Eriksen, the Red Devils were pegged back by a resolute Twente side who fought for every inch of the pitch.
Ten Hag, visibly frustrated with his team’s performance, criticized their lack of killer instinct, stating: “You saw that was the game of their life. They fought for every yard and we didn’t. 99% is not enough, You have to give 100%. You have kill the game. You have to finish it off.”
The draw at Old Trafford comes after a disappointing 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace in the Premier League over the weekend.
The new Europa League format, with a league system replacing the traditional group stage, saw a number of other matches take place on Wednesday.
In a thrilling encounter, Galatasaray overcame PAOK 3-1 thanks to a brace from Victor Osimhen, while Lazio cruised to a 3-0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv.
Real Sociedad secured a draw against Nice, while Hoffenheim earned a point away to Midtjylland.
Anderlecht emerged victorious from their clash with Ferencváros, Slavia Prague beat Ludogorets, and Bodø/Glimt and AZ Alkmaar were the first teams to claim wins earlier in the day.
The evening was marred by a security incident involving a group of Lazio fans who were caught attempting to avoid a police escort and found carrying weapons. The fans were banned from attending the game against Dynamo Kyiv.
First Piper 