Manchester United kicks off their European campaign on Wednesday evening as they welcome FC Twente, the former club of manager Erik ten Hag, to Old Trafford. The Dutch side holds a special place in Ten Hag’s heart, as he made 188 appearances for them during his playing career. Ahead of the match, Ten Hag expressed his mixed emotions about facing his old team.
“I would have preferred to play against somebody else. It’s not nice to hurt something you love,” Ten Hag admitted. “Of all the teams, Twente is the one I follow the most. I watch them as a fan, not as an analyst. They played a significant role in my career, and I owe a lot to their academy.”
Squad News
As Ten Hag prepares his squad for the Europa League clash, he will rely on the same lineup that faced Crystal Palace. Unfortunately, the manager cannot welcome back any additional players from injury for this important fixture.
Luke Shaw Update
While recent weeks have seen the return of Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount to the first-team squad, Luke Shaw’s recovery continues to be a concern. The former Southampton defender has not played since February and is not expected to return until next month.
Ten Hag mentioned the possibility of Shaw making a comeback before the international break but cautioned that it might extend beyond that timeframe. “I think it’s probable he could be back before the break, but I can’t say I’m 100% sure. The plan is for him to return before then, but it might also be shortly after,” he explained.
Leny Yoro’s Return Target
Leny Yoro, a summer signing from Lille, has yet to make his competitive debut for United due to an injury sustained during a pre-season match against Arsenal. The 18-year-old defender had surgery successfully and expects to recover in approximately three months.
A statement from the club in August confirmed, “Leny Yoro has had successful surgery on his foot injury. His rehabilitation starts now, and we look forward to the 18-year-old returning to fitness in around three months.” Reports suggest that Yoro is targeting a return for United’s match against Arsenal in December, aiming to be back on the pitch by mid-November.
Noussair Mazraoui’s Transfer Insights
Newly acquired defender Noussair Mazraoui has shared his thoughts on his move from Bayern Munich to Manchester United, highlighting his desire for a more comfortable environment. He acknowledged the size and stature of United, indicating that it played a role in his decision to join.
“When comparing both clubs, you cannot definitively say one is bigger than the other. However, internationally speaking, Manchester United is probably bigger than Bayern, and that’s definitely one of the reasons for my move,” Mazraoui stated in a press conference ahead of facing Twente.
He elaborated on his motivations, explaining, “After two seasons at Bayern, I felt that I needed and wanted a new challenge. I felt comfortable there, but I believed I could find a better fit elsewhere, which is why I chose Manchester United. I don’t think I need to explain why that decision was made.”
As United gears up for their clash against FC Twente, fans will be eager to see how Ten Hag navigates his squad dynamics and integrates new signings while awaiting the return of injured players.
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