Erik ten Hag will aim for his first three points of the Europa League campaign when his Manchester United side make the trip to Jose Mourinho-led Fenerbahce.
Following score draws with FC Twente and Porto, the Old Trafford giants will look to build on an impressive Premier League display against Brentford.
Having enjoyed an opening-day victory against Union Saint-Gilloise, Mourinho’s side collected a point on the road to Twente. Domestically, Sarı Kanaryalar sits fourth in the Super Lig, trailing rivals Galatasaray by eight points.
The threat of a Turkey-away day is undeniable, with an expected hostile environment in store for Ten Hag’s men.
But, despite a somewhat congested fixture schedule, United will enter Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on a high following their most assured performance of the campaign.
Team News
First and foremost, Bruno Fernandes will not line out for the side following his dismissal for two yellow cards against Porto. Naturally, questions surfaced regarding his replacement in the 10, with Christian Eriksen expected to step further up the field.
Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire and Mason Mount were all unavailable for the weekend arrival of the Bees – as were youngsters Toby Collyer and Dan Gore.
Furthermore, Casemiro collected a knock in the closing stages of the game, with uncertainty regarding his availability.
Manuel Ugarte featured from the bench and is in contention to come in from the start. Notably, the impressive Jack Flecther was a squad member for the first time and is again in the picture.
Luke Shaw has returned to the grass for individual training this morning (Wednesday) but will remain unavailable alongside Tyrell Malacia.
The sides have met competitively on six occasions, sharing three victories apiece.
Their last encounter came during the 2016-17 season, with Mourinho’s United falling to a 2-1 defeat during the group stages of the Europa League.
Notably, the Turkish giants are unbeaten in their previous seven European home fixtures, winning four and drawing three. In contrast, United won just one of ten major continental fixtures and are winless in five.
Interestingly, the special one does not fare well against his previous sides, winning two of his 17 encounters and losing 11.
How do you feel about the prospect of Erik ten Hag and Manchester United making it 12 against Mr Mourinho?
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