Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag delivered brutal message after emotional FC Twente comments

FC Twente are gearing up for a historic clash at Old Trafford, refusing to simply defend against Manchester United and instead harbouring genuine belief in their chances of victory.

The Red Devils welcome the Dutch outfit on Wednesday night for their inaugural match in the revamped Europa League season. It's a first-time competitive encounter between the two sides, yet Twente is no stranger to Erik ten Hag, who donned their colours 257 times across three stints as a player.

As the opening adversaries in a group of eight for United in the Europa League's new league-style format, Twente will be one of four teams visiting Old Trafford, with United aiming for a top-eight finish to secure direct entry into the last-16.

Despite being the favourites, Ten Hag's squad has had a rocky start to their Premier League season, managing only two wins from five games and coming off a goalless draw with Crystal Palace last Saturday. This shaky form has given Twente, currently fourth in the Eredivisie, a glimmer of hope.

Twente's manager Joseph Oosting exudes confidence: "I always believe in opportunities," he declared. "If we dare to play, we can also create opportunities. Especially in the transition, we can hurt Manchester. That is easier said than done but the will is definitely there. We played games against Red Bull [Salzburg] that you learn from."

The quotes come off the back of Ten Hag himself saying this week that he will find it hard to face Twente, his boyhood club and one that he still keeps close to his heart, following their weekly scores like that of a fan.

Oosting added: "Everything goes at the highest tempo, whether it is on the ball or in defence. You have to be top in everything and we need everyone to be there. I think we have also made progress in that. We have respect for Manchester United, but we also have the full conviction and the will to get the most out of the game."

Twente, set to be cheered on by a 4,000-strong travelling contingent - their biggest ever crowd for an away fixture in Europe, could count on Erik ten Hag's support under different circumstances.

The United boss, who carved out his reputation with Twente from 1989 to 2002 said: "I would have preferred to play against somebody else," conceding, "It's not nice to hurt something you love.

"Of all the teams, Twente is the team I follow the most. I watch them as a fan, as a supporter, not as an analyst. It's a different way of watching their games. Twente brought me a lot, I was put through their academy, so for me [I have a] great deal of history there."

Rasmus Hojlund is in line for his maiden start of the season having shrugged off a hamstring issue, making a cameo at Palace. There's more good news for United with Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, and Victor Lindelof returning to training post-injuries, though Luke Shaw remains sidelined.