Former Chelsea player and manager Ruud Gullit says he was “not surprised” that Manchester United dropped points at home in their first Europa League game against FC Twente on Wednesday evening.

The Red Devils were heavily fancied to secure a win against an opponent who currently sit 4th in the Dutch league, but Gullit says the performance was typical of what we have seen under the management of Erik ten Hag:

“I am not surprised by the football Manchester United showed tonight. Why not? Because we are used to it by now… How many millions did Erik ten Hag invest in his team again?”

Christian Eriksen had put United 1-0 up in the first half at Old Trafford before Sam Lammers got the visitors back on level terms after the break.

United’s poor start to the season

Ten Hag’s men have picked up just three wins in their first eight games in all competitions since the new campaign began in August (with one of those coming against third-tier side Barnsley in the Carabao Cup).

They have suffered an embarrassing home loss to Liverpool, as well as a late defeat to Brighton. Their last two outings against Crystal Palace and Twente have ended in draws.

How much has ten Hag spent on new signings since he joined in 2022?

Gullit raises the point about the club’s investment in the first-team squad following ten Hag’s appointment just over two years ago.

According to Transfermarkt, United have splashed out an eye-watering €597m or £497.6m on players since the Dutchman was hired. Despite the amount spent, performances continue to be average at best.

Ten Hag is not among the favourites to be sacked at the moment but, if the team’s form does not improve over the coming weeks, pressure on him will increase.

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here