‘They need to find solutions’ - Ex-Manchester United midfielder fearful of upcoming fixtures

Owen Hargreaves has said Manchester United’s upcoming run of fixtures could prove pivotal for Erik ten Hag’s squad.

The Red Devils suffered disappointment on Wednesday night as they drew 1-1 with Dutch side Twente in their first opening Europa League match of the campaign. It was a performance that was alarmingly similar to last season, when United often lacked tempo and a clear tactical plan, while opposition sides found it too simple to break through the team’s porous centre.

That was the case again at Old Trafford on Wednesday, with fans already concerned at the start of a new term that has seen United pick up just three wins from eight games. With the next three fixtures coming against Tottenham Hotspur, Porto and Aston Villa, there’s a sense this could quickly spiral. That’s certainly Hargreaves’ worry.

“Those fixtures are incredibly difficult because all those teams can play and there are some really tough ones away from home,” said the former midfielder, when speaking on TNT Sports’ post-match coverage.

“When you play for a team like Man United you need to rise to the occasion. They have done it in some one-off games when they have been up against it, but they are going to be tested in their next games. They need to find solutions.

“Erik sticks his neck out every time and he is honest, but the fact of the matter is they need results. That is all this business comes down to when you are a top team, getting results.”

There’s also a feeling that United have failed to impress themselves on any quality opposition so far this season, with the only wins coming against an underperforming Fulham on the opening weekend, as well as Southampton and Barnsley.

“That's the biggest issue so far this season, they haven't really beaten anybody,” claimed Hargreaves.

“There was the Liverpool game [a 3-0 defeat]. Against Crystal Palace [a 0-0 draw on Saturday] they probably should've won. The first half was exceptional, but then in the end, if it wasn't for an [Andre] Onana double save, they could have lost that as well.”