Manchester United’s Europa League match at home to FC Twente earlier this season was a disappointing night for the Red Devils, a memorable one for the Dutch side.
The only team to go unbeaten in the Europa League this season, Manchester United ended the group stages with five consecutive wins.
The campaign began with three draws, the most disappointing of them the home draw at against FC Twente.
For the Dutch side, it was a spectacular result, in particular Twente boss Joseph Oosting.
head coach/coach Joseph Oosting of FC Twente during warm up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester Unite...
Photo by Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Old Trafford the Theatre of Dreams
Manchester United’s stadium is nicknamed the Theatre of Dreams, and this season it has been a more appropriate title for visiting sides.
Reflecting on the experience earlier this season, Joseph Oosting explains he had made visits to Manchester United during his playing days, and dreamed of an opportunity to play or coach there.
He told Oost: “Twice a year we came to England with a group of former Veendam players. While out and about we sometimes met players like Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole. There was hatred and jealousy between City and the great United of that time.”
“I remember sitting there to watch a game and I thought, it would be really cool to play football here or experience it as a coach.”
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Men reduced to tears at Old Trafford
Twente being drawn away at Manchester United in the Europa League was the realisation of a dream for Oosting.
After hanging up his boots in 2006, he began coaching in 2008, working his way up from jobs including being the Vitesse youth coach and later first team assistant, before getting the RKC Waalwijk job, appointed then by Twente in 2023.
He described the incredible feeling he felt leading his team against the Red Devils at Old Trafford, and describes seeing grown men cry.
Oosting said: “The moment we entered the stadium, the moment we went onto the field, that was a moment when I thought, how super cool. Then I feel privileged, that I can experience that.
“I have two people in mind, who were crying. Grown men. They were so happy. That gives me goosebumps. It connects. That you can make people so happy, isn’t it great?”
Oosting’s clarification he witnessed happy tears means he was not talking about unhappy United supporters with the draw. Although it’s unclear whether he was describing his fellow coaches, his players, or Twente fans.
Nonetheless, his comments underline the magnitude of Manchester United, even if it didn’t work out in the team’s favour on the night.
One instance it did was the recent game against FCSB, with their club president blasting the team for being overawed in their 2-0 loss.