Manchester United opened their 2024/25 Europa League campaign this evening at Old Trafford in a 1-1 draw with Dutch side, FC Twente.

A bitter start to the season for the Red Devils after a 68th minute equaliser from Sam Lammers gave his side a draw against one of Europe’s finest.

It finishes in a draw.#MUFC || #UEL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 25, 2024

Performance in recent years

Manchester United have been back and forth between the Champions League and Europa League over the last decade. In the last 10 seasons, Manchester United have spent 6 seasons in the Champions League and 6 seasons in the Europa League - Twice being in the Champions League but failure to qualify for the knockout rounds saw United drop to the Europa League in 2015/16 and 2020/21.

Manchester United have won the UEFA Europa League on 1 occasion and that was in the 2016/17 season under Jose Mourinho. Manchester United came out on top in Sweden after goals from Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan saw United cruise to a 2-0 victory.

Manchester United 2016/17 Season. 👏🏼🎉🏆🔥👹🔴💷 pic.twitter.com/NSNAket1Ro

— Manchester United (@ManUnitedWorld) May 24, 2017

The Red Devils have come close on 2 other occasions; Reaching the final in 2020/21 against Villareal, and after a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes, the game went to penalties. The Yellow Submarine came out on top after a historical penalty shootout which ended 11-10.

The other occasion, losing 2-1 to Sevilla after going 1-0 after 9 minutes as Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty, Sevilla fought back quickly and goals from Suso and Luuk De Jong knocked out the Red side of Manchester.

Established performers

Over the 2010’s and now, 2020’s, Manchester United have had their fair share of Europa League campaigns which has seen some of their star players pick up milestone appearances. Marcus Rashford is the player with the most appearances for Man United with 37. Juan Mata is the only other player to play 30 times or more in the Europa League for Manchester United.

In terms of goals, Rashford sits top too with 13. Bruno Fernandes closely follows behind with 9 goals. Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood, Edison Cavani and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all have hit the back of the net 6 times for Man United in recent years.

🔴 The last time Marcus Rashford scored twice in a European game = his Manchester United debut 👏

🆚 Midtjylland, UEL round of 32
🗓️ February 2016 #UEL pic.twitter.com/CNqza7fM6w

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 28, 2020

Last seasons Europa League performances

The last time that United played in the Europa League, they finished 2nd in their group behind Spanish outlet Real Sociedad. Heading into the first knockout round, Barcelona was the first opponent and United were able to get a draw at the Nou Camp then dominate the Spanish giants at Old Trafford and make their way through to the next round.

Cruising past Real Betis in the next round, United had Sevilla next, the most successful team in the Europa League. Sevilla dismantled Manchester United and sent them packing, winning 5-2 on aggregate.

Heading into the new season and new league phase in the Europa League, Manchester United will look to return to winning ways despite their opening fixture this evening not going their way.

Next fixture

Up next, they face FC Porto in what will be a highly anticipated and close match between both sides. But Manchester United will be determined to go back to Manchester with all 3 points.