Manchester United will aim to get their Europa League campaign off to the perfect start when they take on FC Twente at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.
The Dutch side, which United boss Erik ten Hag represented as a playershould be no match for one of the richest teams in world football, but it is up to the Red Devils to ensure the Eredivisie side leave Old Trafford unhappy.
United have kept three clean sheets and won two of their last three games after a strong start to 2024/25, with Wednesday another chance to build confidence. Although some key defenders are still missing, Ten Hag have an impressive squad to choose from for the visit of their former employers.
Here’s how united might line up wednesday night.
GK: Andre Onana – The Cameroonian produced an impressive double stop Saturday to rival David Raya’s in the Champions League. It was a key save for the Red Devils and earned them a third straight clean sheet.
RB: Noussair Mazraoui – Mazraoui has made an impressive start to life at Old Trafford and it was excellent in the goalless draw with Crystal Palace the weekend It has been a surprisingly sensible signing from the Red Devils.
CB: Harry Maguire – Matthijs de Ligt is starting to form a solid partnership with Lisandro Martinez and almost scored again at the weekend. However, to keep the Dutchman fresh, Maguire could be selected against Twente.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – Injuries to Leny Yoro and Victor Lindelof leave Man Utd short at the heart of defence, meaning Martinez should keep his starting spot. Ten Hag will be keen not to overburden the Argentine with his injury problems.
LB: Diogo Dalot – With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia also missing from the backline, Dalot is likely to start midweek. Midfielder Toby Collyer was used at left-back against Barnsley but is unlikely to be used out of position this time.
DM: Kobbie Mainoo – An effortless 7/10 performer most weeks if not more, Mainoo will have his first taste of Europa League football against Twente.
DM: Manuel Ugarte – Christian Eriksen has enjoyed a surprise mini-renaissance in recent weeks, but the veteran can’t play every game. After three consecutive starts, summer signing Ugarte should get more valuable playing time.
RM: Amad Diallo – The youngster has made an impressive start to the season and has created more Premier League chances (12) than any other United player this season despite not starting every week. He has created twice as many chances as United’s next most creative player, Bruno Fernandes.
AM: Bruno Fernandes – Amad may have created more chances than Fernandes, but no one at United can better the attacking midfielder’s expected 1.3 assists. He is still a key influence in the last third of Ten Hag.
LM: Marcus Rashford – After scoring twice in the 7-0 drubbing of Barnsley, Rashford was unexpected. fell on the bench the weekend Likely just one minute of management, the England international should be back on Wednesday.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund – After missing the start of the season with a hamstring injury, Hojlund returned from the bench last time out. With Joshua Zirkzee still waiting for his second United goal after a dream debut, the Denmark striker could be preferred here if he is fit enough.
