Europa League boss witnessed ‘grown men crying’ getting to play against Manchester United, he loved it.

Manchester United’s Europa League meeting at home against FC Twente earlier this season was a disappointment for the Red Devils, but a memorable one for the Dutch team.

Manchester United was the only team to remain undefeated in the Europa League this season, finishing the group stages with five successive victories.

The campaign started with three draws, with the most disappointing being the home tie against FC Twente.

The Dutch team, particularly Twente manager Joseph Oosting, had a great performance.

Old Trafford: The Theatre of Dreams

Manchester United’s stadium, known as the Theatre of Dreams, has become a more fitting appellation for visiting teams this season.

Reflecting on the experience earlier this season, Joseph Oosting recalls that he had made visits to Manchester United throughout his playing career and hoped to play or coach there.

He told Ost: “We came to England twice a year with a group of former Veendam players.” While out and about, we occasionally encountered players such as Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole. There was animosity and rivalry between City and the famous United at the 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.”

Men are driven to tears at Old Trafford.

Twente’s away draw at Manchester United in the Europa League fulfilled Oosting’s desire.

After retiring in 2006, he began coaching in 2008, working his way up from Vitesse youth coach to first-team assistant until landing the RKC Waalwijk role, which was eventually taken over by Twente in 2023.

He highlighted how great it felt to lead his squad against the Red Devils at Old Trafford, as well as watching grown men cry.

Oosting stated, “The moment we entered the stadium and stepped onto the field, I thought, ‘How cool.'” Then I feel honored to be able to experience it.

“I have two persons in mind who are sobbing. Adult males. They were quite thrilled. This gives me goosebumps. It connects. Isn’t it wonderful that you can make other people happy?”

Oosting’s remark that he saw happy tears suggests he was not referring to dissatisfied United fans following the draw. Although it is unclear if he was referring about his colleagues coaches, players, or Twente supporters.

Nonetheless, his words highlight Manchester United’s enormity, even if the team’s performance did not go as planned on the night.

During a recent game versus FCSB, the club president criticized the squad for being overawed in their 2-0 loss.

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