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The Europa League returns tonight with an exciting new format that has fans eagerly anticipating more football action. The competition has expanded from 32 to 36 teams, resulting in matches being played on Wednesday nights instead of the traditional Thursday nights.
Among the teams in action tonight is the great Manchester United, who qualified for the tournament by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final. Despite finishing eighth in the Premier League, winning the FA Cup guarantees a spot in European competition.
Manchester United returns to the Europa League, a competition they last won in 2017 under the management of José Mourinho. This victory is particularly cherished by Mourinho, who has often stated it is his most significant triumph in his coaching career. That era featured stars like Wayne Rooney, Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Ander Herrera, and David De Gea, who have since left the club.
Now under the leadership of Erik ten Hag and the co-ownership of British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliff, Manchester United aims to secure victory in the 2024/2025 Europa League campaign and earn a spot in next season’s Champions League. The club has been undergoing a rebuilding process after a decade of challenges following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. Despite numerous managerial changes, fans are hopeful that the INEOS era will bring positive change.
In their opening Europa League match on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Manchester United will face Erik ten Hag’s former club, Twente FC, at Old Trafford. This match is significant for Ten Hag, who spent 23 years as a player and coach at Twente. Manchester United is most likely to field a similar squad to the one that recently drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.
Luke Shaw, still recovering from an injury, is expected to return before the October international break, but his availability for this match is uncertain. Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, and Leny Yoro are still sidelined due to injuries.
FC Twente, meanwhile, have named their traveling squad, which does not include Michal Sadilek (injury) and Younes Taha (broken leg).
Predicted Lineup
Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Maguire, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Casemiro; Amad, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
