Manchester United enters their Europa League match against FC Twente as strong favorites, but Twente, coached by Joseph Oosting, is determined to compete fiercely. The Dutch side finished third in last season’s Eredivisie, outpacing Ajax, and is ready to confront United at Old Trafford.
Under Erik ten Hag, Manchester United has shown significant improvement this season, achieving three consecutive clean sheets for the first time since January 2023. Goalkeeper Andre Onana has been instrumental, especially in a crucial victory over Crystal Palace. Nonetheless, concerns linger in the midfield, where opponents have frequently exploited vulnerabilities, revealing an area of weakness that remains unaddressed.
The recent signing of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain is anticipated to help solidify the midfield. With Casemiro likely returning for the match after his impressive performance in the Carabao Cup against Barnsley, there’s hope that United can shore up their defense. However, if Twente plays with confidence and precision, they may find opportunities to capitalize on any gaps.
Oosting is optimistic about his team’s chances and expressed this during a pre-match press conference: “I always believe there are chances. 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 perspective reflects Twente’s strategy to exploit United’s known weaknesses against counter-attacks, a tactic that has proven effective even against lower-tier Premier League teams.
Despite lacking the attacking firepower of Liverpool, Twente is poised to rise to the occasion. While Manchester United boasts superior individual talent, the Dutch team is determined to make an impact and not simply serve as an obstacle in United’s Europa League aspirations.
Oosting acknowledged the challenge of facing a club of Manchester United’s stature, equating them to giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona. He emphasized the difficulty of defeating such a prominent team but remains hopeful.
As Twente prepares for their clash at Old Trafford, they aim to take an active role in the match, looking to surprise expectations and create a memorable contest. With a mix of determination and tactical awareness, they are ready to step into the spotlight and challenge the narrative.
