“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 is set to face FC Twente in their upcoming Europa League fixture, with United being viewed as the dominant team. However, Twente, under the leadership of coach Joseph Oosting, is prepared to put up a strong fight. Twente secured a third-place finish in last season’s Eredivisie, surpassing Ajax, and they are ready to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Under Erik ten Hag, United has seen a noticeable improvement this season, achieving three consecutive clean sheets for the first time since January 2023. Goalkeeper Andre Onana has played a key role in this success, particularly in a critical win over Crystal Palace. However, the midfield remains a concern, as opponents have frequently exploited weaknesses in that area, an issue that still requires attention.
The recent addition of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain is expected to bolster United’s midfield. With Casemiro likely to return after his strong performance in the Carabao Cup against Barnsley, there is hope that United’s defense can be further strengthened. Despite this, if Twente approaches the game with confidence and precision, they might exploit any defensive gaps United leaves open.
Oosting remains hopeful about Twente’s chances, as he expressed in a pre-match press briefing: “There are always opportunities if we play with courage. If we stick to our footballing principles, we can create chances. On the counter-attack, I believe we can trouble Manchester United.” Twente’s strategy focuses on exploiting United’s vulnerability to counter-attacks, a tactic that has worked for even smaller Premier League clubs.
Though Twente may not possess the same offensive prowess as teams like Liverpool, they are determined to make their mark in the game. While United’s individual talent may outshine that of Twente, the Dutch team is eager to prove they are not just another hurdle in Manchester United’s Europa League journey.
Oosting recognizes the challenge of playing against a club as prestigious as Manchester United, comparing them to footballing giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona. He admitted that beating such a renowned team will be tough, but he remains optimistic about his team’s chances.
As the match approaches, Twente is preparing to take an active role on the pitch, with the aim of defying expectations and delivering a competitive performance. With determination and tactical awareness, they are ready to step into the limelight and challenge United’s dominance.
