“Having heard what Erik ten Hag has done to him, I’m now sure we’re going to beat them with a wide margin”: Fc Twente boss says Erik ten Hag has made it easier for him to defeat Man United after suspending Man United’s best player this season.
Manchester United heads into their Europa League encounter with FC Twente as clear favorites, but the Dutch team, under the leadership of Joseph Oosting, is set to put up a strong fight. Twente, who finished third in the Eredivisie last season, ahead of Ajax, are fully prepared to take on United at Old Trafford.
Manchester United, guided by Erik ten Hag, has seen notable progress this season, achieving three straight clean sheets—a first since January 2023. Goalkeeper Andre Onana has been a key player in this defensive improvement, especially shining in their important win over Crystal Palace. However, the midfield remains an area of concern, as opposition teams have frequently exposed weaknesses in that part of the pitch, a problem that still lingers.
The arrival of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain is expected to help fortify the midfield. Casemiro, who delivered an impressive display in the Carabao Cup victory over Barnsley, is also likely to return for this game, raising hopes of further solidifying United’s defense. However, if Twente plays with confidence and sharpness, they may find opportunities to exploit any gaps in the defense.
Oosting remains hopeful about his team’s chances, sharing his thoughts in a pre-match press conference: “There are always opportunities. If we have the courage to play our game, we can create chances. I believe on the counter-attack, we can cause Manchester United problems.” His remarks reflect Twente’s strategy to take advantage of United’s vulnerabilities on the break, a tactic that has worked well for other teams, even those from the lower ranks of the Premier League.
Though Twente may not have the same attacking threat as Liverpool, they are ready to step up to the challenge. While Manchester United holds the advantage in individual talent, Twente is determined to make their mark and not simply be a stepping stone in United’s Europa League campaign.
Oosting acknowledged the difficulty of facing a team of Manchester United’s caliber, likening them to football powerhouses like Real Madrid and Barcelona. He admitted that beating such a prestigious club is a daunting task, but he remains optimistic.
As Twente gears up for their trip to Old Trafford, they aim to defy expectations and make the match an unforgettable contest. With a blend of determination and tactical intelligence, they are ready to test United and potentially rewrite the script.
