“It’s not nice to hurt something you love” - Erik ten Hag makes feelings clear about Manchester United facing FC Twente in Europa League
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has opened up on facing his former club FC Twente. The two sides are set to face off in their UEFA Europa League opener at Old Trafford on Wednesday, September 25.
Ten Hag had three stints at Twente as a player - 1989-1990, 1992-1994, and 1996-2002. He also won the KNVB Cup in 2001. He will now host the Dutch side at Old Trafford as a Manchester United United manager on Wednesday. When asked about his feelings about facing Twente, he said (via Manchester Evenings News):
"I would have preferred to play against somebody else. 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 great deal of history there."
Ten Hag has managed against Twente before, though, during his time at Ajax and FC Utrecht. He's faced the Tukkers 12 times, winning seven times, losing thrice, and drawing twice.
Erik ten Hag on if he has any concerns on Manchester United's chance creation
The Red Devils have had an inconsistent start to the 2024-25 Premier League season, winning two, drawing one and losing two games so far. They have scored five goals and also conceded five goals. They played out a goalless draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in their last game.
Ahead of their clash against FC Twente, Erik ten Hag was asked if Manchester United's attack is a cause of concern for him. He answered (via manutd.com):
"Concerned [about scoring goals]? We create a lot of chances in the first games of the season. Last week we scored seven against Barnsley, so we are capable of scoring many goals. But it's a part of the game we have to be better at, we have to improve. We have to kill more in the box."
Manchester United are joint 13th in terms of goals scored in the Premier League after five games this season. However, they are third in terms of big chances created (19) and on top in terms of big chances missed (17), as per Fotmob.
Ten Hag will hope his attackers can find their clinical edge on Wednesday to open their European campaign with three points.