Thu Sep 26 03:56:44 UTC 2024: ## Manchester United Stumble to Draw in Europa League Opener

Manchester United were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente in their opening Europa League match on Wednesday. Despite taking the lead through a powerful strike from Christian Eriksen in the first half, the Red Devils conceded an equalizer after the Dane’s costly error.

Eriksen, who joined the club in 2022, opened the scoring with a blistering effort, but was dispossessed by Sam Lammers in the 68th minute, leading to the Dutch forward’s equalizing goal.

Manager Erik ten Hag, who selected a strong starting lineup, expressed his disappointment with the result. “We wanted more in the end, far from good enough,” he said. “They looked like they wanted it more – that can’t be right.”

Ten Hag admitted that United lost their focus in the second half, allowing Twente to get back into the game. “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.”

Despite the draw, United will be looking to improve their performance in their next Europa League encounter.

**Other Notable Results:**

* Porto suffered a shock 3-2 defeat at Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt, despite playing most of the second half with 10 men.
* AZ Alkmaar, led by former Netherlands international Mark van Bommel’s son, Ruben, secured a 3-2 victory over Swedish side Elfsborg.
* Mauro Icardi’s late goal secured a 3-1 win for Galatasaray over PAOK in Istanbul.
* Slavia Prague earned a 2-0 victory over Ludogorets in Bulgaria.
* Lazio cruised to a 3-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv, with Boulaye Dia bagging a brace.

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