Super proud' Hilgers laughs about comical moment: 'Almost hit the top corner'

Mees Hilgers’ performance against Manchester United was filled with intensity, as FC Twente earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

For the 21-year-old defender, the match proved to be a memorable one not just because of the result but also due to the dramatic moments that unfolded, both defensively and offensively. After the game, Hilgers reflected on the nerve-racking final moments of the match, where the clock seemed to drag on as Manchester United applied pressure, seeking a late winner.

"It felt a bit too long," Hilgers admitted when asked how long it seemed before the final whistle blew. As Twente tried to hold onto their well-earned point, time appeared to slow down for the young defender and his teammates. "It did feel like a long time, yes. But I also told the guys: when we have the ball, just keep playing. I think that was difficult, to keep possession, especially in those last ten minutes," he said. It was a testament to Twente’s ability to withstand Manchester United’s pressure and keep their composure, even when the home crowd was roaring and the opposition was relentlessly pushing forward.

One of the key challenges Twente faced that night was their lack of experience in defense. Hilgers, flanked by Max Bruns and Bart van Rooij, found himself leading a relatively inexperienced backline, especially for a stage as grand as Old Trafford. Despite their youth, both Bruns and Van Rooij rose to the occasion, much to Hilgers' satisfaction. "They are guys who haven't played on this stage before, but they have plenty of quality. They definitely showed that today," Hilgers said with pride. For him, it was not just about holding off Manchester United’s world-class attack but also about supporting his teammates, particularly in the absence of veteran Robin Pröpper, who would normally marshal the defense.

"Natuurlijk wordt er van mij iets anders gevraagd dan toen Robin er was," Hilgers said, explaining that his role had shifted somewhat with Pröpper's absence. He had to take on more responsibility as a leader at the back, ensuring that Twente remained organized and disciplined. "But I think Max and Bart did a great job, especially when you draw 1-1 against Manchester United. We have nothing to lose. We can only show ourselves on this stage, and that’s what we did today," he continued. For Hilgers, it was a moment of great pride not just in the result but in the team's overall performance, which showed resilience and character. "I'm super proud. We can enjoy it for a moment today, but tomorrow the focus has to be back on Sunday against NAC."

One of the more comical yet nerve-wracking moments of the night came when Hilgers nearly scored an own goal, a mishap that could have turned Twente’s heroic performance into a nightmare. Reflecting on the incident, Hilgers laughed as he recalled how close he came to finding the back of his own net. "I almost shot it into the top corner, but on the other side," the Indonesian international said with a smile, acknowledging the humorous yet dangerous nature of the event. It was a lighthearted moment in what was otherwise a tense encounter, but it could have had serious consequences.

Fortunately for Hilgers and Twente, goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall was on hand to save the day. Unnerstall, who has been a rock for Twente between the posts, once again demonstrated his reliability in goal. "But that’s why Unnerstall is there," Hilgers quipped, praising the veteran goalkeeper. "Everyone knows how good Lars is, how strong he is on the line. Even at this age (34), you can see that he's improving in his game." Hilgers highlighted Unnerstall’s development in playing with the ball at his feet, which has been a noticeable aspect of Twente’s play this season. "In the past, every ball used to go long, but now he passes it to me or to Max, or even to the midfield. That’s definitely a plus we’re taking into this season."

Unnerstall’s ability to distribute the ball and remain calm under pressure has become a crucial part of Twente's build-up play, allowing the team to maintain possession and transition from defense to attack more fluidly. For a young defense like Twente's, having a calm and composed presence in goal has been invaluable, especially in high-pressure situations like the one at Old Trafford.

Looking forward, Twente will need to maintain this level of performance as they continue their domestic and European campaigns. For Hilgers, the experience of playing at one of the most famous stadiums in world football is something to build upon. The draw against Manchester United may not have been a win, but for a young player like Hilgers, it was a defining moment in his career one that showcased his leadership, resilience, and growth on one of the sport’s biggest stages.