1
FC Twente goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall says his side’s trip to Old Trafford was anything but a “school trip” after they emerged from last night’s Europa League clash with a well-deserved point.
The Dutch side were widely thought to have little chance of picking up anything short of a hiding from Manchester United but came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw.
And Unnerstall has hit back at the Dutch media, much of which gave the Enschede team no chance of getting a result.
“In recent days you heard some people talking about a school trip,” the German goalkeeper told Voetbal International, via Voetbal Primeur.
“You heard things like that here and there. If you play such a match and don’t unjustly take a point, then that is very nice.”
Unnerstall himself played a key role in the underdogs’ draw, making two heroic saves – although both would likely have been chalked up as own goals had they gone in.
United’s uninspired attack managed 19 shots on goal but only landed five on target, and rarely looked likely to score more than their solitary goal.
Unnerstall can hold his head high for that one, a fiery strike from Christian Eriksen which was lashed past him with unstoppable force.
Erik ten Hag’s team was rightly criticised for performing well below the level its premium price tag should warrant, but the high-value squad never intimidated the Twente players.
“I understand that people quickly look at the money, at the name of a club. But that didn’t count for us,” he said.
“I never had the feeling that we were heading for a much bigger opponent. You shouldn’t think that way.
“We wanted to show what FC Twente can do internationally. And we did that tonight with a very good match.”
Twente’s lack of fear for United may well have been their own bravery, but based on that showing it is hard to imagine that team having any Europa League opposition shaking in their boots.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
Play for free to win the new United kit! We’re awarding a new prize every PL matchweek, courtesy of Goat Kits! To play, just (1) Join this week’s brand new PL Challenge league here with our league code puu1tk and enter your team. (2) Follow The Peoples Person on X and answer the tie breaker question. Full instructions and rules here.
You can also visit Goat Kits at goatkitstore.com and use discount code TPP30 to get 30% off your first purchase!
