Erik ten Hag began his Europa League campaign with a point as a toothless Manchester United delivered a 1-1 draw against FC Twente.
Marcus Rashford returned to the starting lineup, with Bruno Fernandes captaining the side for a first meeting with the Eredivisie outfit.
Manuel Ugarte occupied the role at the base of a midfield trio, with Matthijs de Ligt joining Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho on the substitute bench.
The impressive Christian Eriksen continues to roll back the years in the centre of the park, starting his fourth consecutive fixture in 11 days.
But, in yet another outing where questions will surface, a solitary goal from 17 attempts paints a worrying picture for the Dutchman and the Old Trafford faithful.
Unbeaten in four, but it doesn’t feel like it.
United began the game well – fizzing passes across the field and maintaining possession with an early swagger.
But despite a commanding start to proceedings, the opening opportunity fell to the visitors after eight minutes.
Diogo Dalot was unnecessarily complacent with a loose ball from a corner, resulting in Sam Lammers dragging his effort inches wide of the post – an early let-off!
To their credit, Ten Hag’s side responded well and continued to implement their game plan.
Dalot overcame his early scare to marshall matters alongside Eriksen and Fernandes, operating in an impressive inverted full-back role.
Ahead of him, Joshua Zirkzee has settled well into Manchester life and has earned plaudits for his ability to link play and facilitate the role of a 9.5.
His presence at the head of the attack was a constant outlet, and although the home side was not creating ample opportunities within the opening 25, the intentions were clear.
While I am a massive fan of the former Bologna frontman, his inability to affect the game with goals presents a formidable conundrum for his manager in moving forward.
Lars Unnerstall was called into action after 26 minutes to acrobatically deny an opening goal from a deflected Lisandro Martinez header.
The 34-year-old emphasised his undeniable ability with an effort that any teenager would be proud of.
But that merely set the tone for a Red wave, with a barrage of wing assaults from the magnificent Rashford and Amad.
The midfield dynamic of Ugarte, Dalot, Bruno and Eriksen was causing endless issues, and the opening goal came after 35 minutes with a scintillating effort from the legendary Dane.
It was a deserved lead for Ten Hag’s men after an impressive half of intricate interplay and dynamic transitions, although Unnerstall didn’t have a massive amount to do.
Twente remained diligent in their structure but spent the final ten minutes repelling the home side, with United comfortable at the break.
It was an assured 45 minutes with Zirkzee and co never really having to get out of third gear.
The teams remained unchanged for the restart, with an abundance of attacking talent chomping for an opportunity from the bench.
It was much the same for the opening ten, with Twente content to sit deep and contain the scoreline as best they could.
Amad has cemented his place on the right flank, with his unique blend of playmaking and pace supplying a constant threat to Anass Salah-Eddine throughout the opening half.
But Ten Hag recently referenced the selection headache his impressive wingers are supplying, and Garnacho replaced the Ivorian after 67 minutes.
At this stage, United were comfortable without supplying the necessary killer touch in the final third and, unfortunately, the dangers of a solitary goal lead are always present, with the visitors levelling within seconds of the Argentine’s arrival.
A sensational run from Bart van Rooij carried the ball 60 yards before a deflection was stolen from the foot of the usually composed Eriksen and calmly finished by Lammers.
It was a harsh moment for the Dane and his side – who were seldom threatened during the tie. But, once more, the fragility of the group was tested and an inability to capitalise on winning momentum was again on show.
Inevitably, the travelling support sprung to voice and inspired the Tukkers to life, with the prospect of a point or better an unexpected proposition.
United weathered a five-minute storm before bursting to life, with Zirkzee testing the keeper’s resolve after 75 minutes.
With a final throw of the dice, Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and Mainoo entered the field after 79 minutes, taking the places of Eriksen, Zirkzee and Rashford.
Bruno went agonizingly close a couple of moments later with a placed effort from the edge of the area, but he fell to his knees as it sailed inches wide of the post.
Within minutes, a sustained passage of possession resulted in Garnahco sending another effort over the bar.
That was attempt number 14 of the night, with only seven on target, and was cutting a familiar feel to recent weeks.
United continued to press for the winner, with four minutes of added time after another strange night at Old Trafford.
With two minutes remaining, Unnerstall once more denied Martinez from six yards, with the defender getting on the end of a Maguire header.
Worryingly for Ten Hag, a sense of expectation was the consensus at the final whistle, with one European win in nine for Manchester United.
Another frustrating evening is reverberating across the fanbase, with the inevitable calls for change surfacing.
Attention turns to Sunday’s meeting with Spurs, before a challenging trip to Portugal in a week.
How do you feel following this evening’s draw?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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