FC Twente manager Joseph Oosting admits his team will be up against it when they face Manchester United on Wednesday night, but he believes they will generate opportunities and harm their opponents.
The Dutch squad travels to Old Trafford in the Europa League, hoping to spring a major surprise against a club led by one of their former teammates.
Erik ten Hag served three periods at Twente during his career, beginning as a coach.
The Red Devils boss acknowledges he still has a lot of affection for the Dutch club, but there will be little space for sentiment as both teams compete for a win on Wednesday night.
Oosting is not concealing the fact that Twente are underdogs, but he feels his squad can pose a challenge to the Premier League’s powerhouses.
‘I have always believed in opportunity. If we dare to play, we can create possibilities. “We can hurt Manchester, especially during the transition,” remarked Oosting.
‘That is easier said than done, but the will is certainly there.
‘We played games against Red Bull [Salzburg], which you can learn from. Everything moves at a quick speed, whether on the ball or in defence.
‘You must excel in all areas, and we require everyone’s participation. I believe we’ve also made progress in that area.
‘We respect Manchester United, but we also have complete conviction and determination to make the most of the game.’
wente are coming off a 5-0 win against Almere City in the Eredivisie on Sunday, and Oosting feels his team can focus on their strengths in Manchester.
‘Being able to compete in the Europa League is the pinnacle of our third-place performance last season. Now we can display it,” he remarked. ‘We will play in a magnificent stadium tomorrow, but we will take our chances.
‘When the contest begins tomorrow, it will remain a pitch with four lines between which we will play, and if you want to get the most out of the game, we will do all possible. “We must concentrate on our strengths.”
