“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 may enter their Europa League opener against FC Twente as the clear favorites, but Joseph Oosting’s team has no intention of simply rolling over in defeat. In fact, the Dutch side, which secured a third-place finish in last season’s Eredivisie—surpassing an underwhelming Ajax—are gearing up to challenge their illustrious opponents head-on at Old Trafford.
While Manchester United has shown notable improvement under Erik ten Hag this season, with the team securing three consecutive clean sheets for the first time since January 2023—thanks in part to a standout performance from goalkeeper Andre Onana in a crucial match against Crystal Palace—there are still some unresolved issues, particularly in the midfield. Opponents have found it alarmingly easy to bypass United’s middle, exposing a weakness that the team has yet to fully address.
The recent acquisition of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain is seen as a potential solution to some of these midfield vulnerabilities. His presence should bolster United’s defensive structure, but with the likely return of Casemiro for the match against Twente—following his dominant display in United’s 7-0 Carabao Cup demolition of Barnsley—there remains hope for Twente to exploit any gaps if they play with courage and precision.
Oosting, confident in his team’s ability to pose a threat, shared his optimism during a pre-match press conference. “I always believe there are chances,” Oosting stated. “If we have the bravery to really play football, we can create opportunities. Especially on the counter, I think we can cause problems for Manchester United.”
This belief stems from Manchester United’s recent struggles against counter-attacks, even when facing lower-tier Premier League teams like Southampton and Crystal Palace. These sides, though not among the league’s elite, have exposed United’s defensive fragility when breaking quickly from defense to attack. Despite the tactical refinements under Ten Hag, United legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane voiced concerns after the team’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool, pointing out how easily opposing teams can slice through their midfield. The lack of physicality and dynamism in the center has left United’s midfield exposed, resembling a soft barrier rather than a formidable block.
Though Twente lacks the attacking prowess of Liverpool, with star players like Mo Salah and Luis Diaz, Oosting’s men are prepared to punch above their weight. Manchester United’s individual quality may far outshine that of Twente, but the Dutch team refuses to be merely a footnote in United’s quest for Europa League success. Instead, they aim to disrupt the narrative, hoping to play a significant role in a match that may yet offer surprises.
Oosting further emphasized the challenge of facing a club with the stature of Manchester United. “If you mention clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, then I think Manchester United belongs in that group as well,” Oosting remarked. “But of course, defeating a team of that caliber is always easier said than done.”
Twente may lack the star power of their Premier League opponents, but they possess the determination to make this a memorable contest. As they prepare to step onto the hallowed turf of Old Trafford, Oosting’s team has no plans to be mere spectators in United’s storyline. Instead, they hope to be the protagonists in a game that could produce some unexpected twists.
