Manchester United will begin their Europa League campaign by welcoming FC Twente to Old Trafford on an unusual day.
The Red Devils have made a rough start to the new season, only winning two of their opening five games and drawing 0-0 with Crystal Palace last time out.
Man United were held to a goalless draw at the weekendGetty
But Erik ten Hag will be hoping to start some positive form in Europe as they get underway in the brand new League Phase of UEFA’s secondary competition.
They first take on Twente who dropped down after being knocked out in the Champions League qualifiers by RB Salzburg.
Europa League fixtures are usually played on a Thursday, with it becoming a staple during a week of European football.
However, this clash is taking place on a Wednesday night and here’s a look at why that is the case…
Why are Man United playing on Wednesday?
United are playing Twente on Wednesday due to UEFA’s fixture revamp across European competitions.
The Europa League now includes 36 teams instead of the typical 32 and they are playing in a league phase rather than a group stage.
Due to this, there are more fixtures than usual and therefore it has led to a busier calendar for many top teams.
So to combat that, UEFA has now chosen to hold a single exclusive gameweek for each competition.
The Champions League had theirs last week and now the Europa League takes over.
It means fixtures are planned for Wednesday and Thursday, with United vs Twente scheduled for the first night of games.
Ten Hag’s side are playing on a strange day for Europa League footballGetty
Man United vs Twente: talkSPORT coverage
This Europa League clash will take place on Wednesday, September 25.
Kick-off at Old Trafford is scheduled for 8pm.
talkSPORT will have live coverage of the game presented by Adrian Durham.
Commentary will come from Joe Shennan and former England defender Micky Gray.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
The game will also be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.
Man United vs Twente: Team news
Marcus Rashford was benched against Palace as part of Ten Hag’s rotation but he’s likely to be back in the United team this week.
Rasmus Hojlund returned to the bench at the weekend and could be back in the starting line-up at Old Trafford for this clash too.
Left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both getting closer to a return from injury, but this game may be too soon for them.
Leny Yoro and Victor Lindelof remain out while Mason Mount is fit and Manuel Ugarte could make his first start for the Red Devils.
As for Twente, they will have former Rangers striker Sam Lammers leading the line.
And Sem Steijn will be a major threat with Ricky van Wolfswinkel a name many will recognise likely to come off the bench.
Rashford was dropped for the Crystal Palace gameGetty
Man United vs Twente: Learnt from the best
Twente’s main threat to United looks set to be Steijn.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder scored two goals at the weekend, taking his overall tally in all competitions so far this season up to seven goals in eight games.
Steijn will now be aiming to continue his good form at Old Trafford and he’s coming up against a person who had a huge influence on his career.
He worked with Dutch legend and now United assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy earlier this year, to try and improve his finishing.
Van Nistelrooy helped Steijn work on his finishingGetty
“I went on the field with him twice to work on my [shooting],” he said in May. “If you can learn something from anyone, it is from Ruud. It was very educational and I am very happy with that.
“We didn’t even shoot that many balls, but we looked more at what I do with which ball. What angle do you create for the goalkeeper and in what angle do you stand behind the ball?”
It has clearly worked, as Steijn backed up 17 goals in 34 appearances last season with seven in his opening eight games this campaign
And he’ll want to add more on Wednesday against his mentor.
