Gameweek three of the Europa League pits Manchester United against Fenerbahce, with Sukru Saracoglu Stadium braced for a fourth Turkish encounter.
For Erik ten Hag, it’s eyes on three points with focus then immediately shifting to the London Stadium on Sunday.
Expectedly, savouring his moment in the adoring British media, Jose Mourinho opted to tease the prospect of a fourth Premier League winners bonus.
However, despite the typical pre-match bravado, the Portuguese will be keen to get one over on his Dutch opponent, with the allure of victory an undeniable treat.
This fixture has a history and offers a compelling talking point for the football purist, however big or small that may be.
Ahead of Thursday’s 20:00 BST kickoff, here are three moments to add to the latest instalment of this continental rivalry.
From Fergie, with Love
The first of six encounters came on 16 October 1996, with Sir Alex Ferguson and Eric Cantona leading a confident United into the most hostile Turkish environment.
Off the back of a domestic double – a second in three seasons, Sir Alex’s side had risen to the top of English football and were now setting their sights on Europe.
A first-round UEFA Cup exit in the previous campaign did little to convince the British media, with much scrutiny on Cantona and Co. heading overseas.
But, despite the best efforts of Jay-Jay Okocha, United ran out 2-0 winners thanks to a splendid counter-attacking finish from David Beckham and a magnificent team goal finished by the enigmatic Frenchman.
The Reds would progress to the semi-final, ultimately losing out to Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund over two legs.
Remember the name
Old Trafford, 28 September 2004 – the debut of one of the most talked-about teenagers in world football.
Wayne Rooney arrived in Manchester following a dedicated pursuit by Sir Alex. The Everton lad had set pulses racing with his no-nonsense approach to senior football, cementing his name into the history books with a breathtaking strike against Arsenal at only 16 years of age.
His first Old Trafford appearance came against Sarı Kanaryalar in Group D of the Champions League at 18.
Three goals later, his side collected a deserved 6-2 victory, and the Theatre of Dreams witnessed the birth of its new hero.
It was a performance befitting of the stage and truly encapsulated the majesty and brilliance of one of the finest players to represent Manchester United.
United would suffer last-16 elimination at the hands of AC Milan.
The special one stumbles
The last meeting between the sides came on 03 November 2016, with Mourinho leading his side back into the Turkish melting pot.
With 35,378 in attendance, the Reds aimed to replicate the form and result that saw them run out 4-1 winners in Manchester.
However, as history dictated, the Turkish side is anything but a pushover, and despite the best efforts of Rooney, United fell to a 2-1 defeat.
It was the second loss in four European outings, with Feyenoord inflicting an opening-day disappointment.
But Mourinho’s men would display a willingness and desire to overcome – inevitably lifting the Europa League trophy with a 2-0 victory against Ajax in May.
How do you feel about the prospect of Manchester United beating Fenerbahce in Turkey this evening?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Recent Posts
- The forgotten slow start to a glorious Manchester United campaign
- Manchester United officials retain confidence in Project 150 strategy
- Manchester United Supporters’ Club retain desire for change of ownership
