Manchester United’s past and present will collide this week when Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce await in the Europa League, live on talkSPORT.
Erik ten Hag is seeking a morale-boosting first European win of the season against one of his Red Devils predecessors.
Ten Hag will battle former United boss Jose Mourinho in IstanbulGetty
The Dutchman eased the mounting pressure on his shoulders by securing a vital 2-1 comeback victory over Brentford at the weekend.
It was United’s first win in six games since thrashing Barnsley in the Carabao Cup third round over a month ago.
During that barren run, Ten Hag has overseen successive draws in both their first two Europa League matches.
The Old Trafford outfit squandered leads in games against Twente and Porto – with Harry Maguire‘s stoppage-time equaliser ultimately rescuing a dramatic 3-3 draw in the latter contest.
Fenerbache also shared the spoils with Twente in Europe, but their win over Union St Gilloise has eight places but just two points above Man United in the Europa League table.
Fenerbahce vs Man United: No way Jose
Ironically, Mourinho was in the United dugout the last time these two sides met in November 2016 in the same competition.
That was a game Fenerbache won 2-1 to leave Mourinho’s side in danger of Europa League elimination before they rallied and the Special One went on to lift the trophy after a win over Ajax.
Ten Hag can take solace from his predecessor recovering from a difficult start to enjoy a successful European campaign.
He will also be buoyed by Mourinho’s record against teams he’s previously managed, winning just two of his last 17 games (D4 L11).
However, one of those was a 6-1 victory against a United team coached by his successor while in charge of Spurs in October 2020.
Mourinho led United to glory in the Europa LeagueGetty
Manchester United have won just one of their last 10 matches in major European competition (D4 L5). They’re without a win in five (D3 L2), last having a longer such run between 1980 and 1983 (6).
Fenerbahçe are unbeaten in their last seven home games in the UEFA Europa League (W4 D3), winning four of their last five.
Fenerbahce vs Man United: Team news
Former Old Trafford duo Fred and Sofyan Amrabat will headline a collection of ex-Premier League players in Mourinho’s squad.
Edin Dzeko, Dusan Tadic, Allan Saint-Maximin, Caglar Soyuncu and Cenk Tosun may all feature, but Ryan Kent won’t be involved after his contract at Fenerbahce was cancelled by mutual consent.
United will be without suspended captain Bruno Fernandes following his red card away in Porto last time out.
Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Toby Collyer and Dan Gore all remain injury doubts, while Casemiro is also fighting fit to shake off a knock.
Ten Hag will also miss defenders Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Leny Yoro, but Noussair Mazraoui could be involved.
Fred and Amrabat are among the familiar faces at FenerbacheGetty
Manchester United have lost both of their last two trips to face Fenerbahçe in all competitions, losing 0-3 in December 2004 and 1-2 in November 2016.
Fenerbahçe have alternated between a loss and a win across their six previous meetings with Manchester United, most recently winning 2-1 at home in the 2016-17 UEFA Europa League group stage.
Fenerbahce vs Man United: What has been said?
Ten Hag has shared his respect for Mourinho attending a Football Writers Association dinner on Sunday evening.
When asked if he would try to meet up with the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager before or after the game in Istanbul, he replied: “Probably, yeah, but it’s like a big game for both of us.
“I really enjoy to face him, to play against him. He always has good teams and he is a winner.
“He has won so many trophies and, I think, is an example for many managers. So I really enjoy to play against him.”
United’s season has so far been underwhelmingRex
Fenerbahce vs Man United: talkSPORT coverage
This Europa League league phase match will be held on Thursday, October 24.
Kick-off at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul is scheduled for 8pm UK time.
talkSPORT will have live coverage from Turkey, with Hugh Woozencroft serving as your presenter from Tottenham v AZ.
Commentary will come from Ian Danter and former England captain Stuart Pearce.
talkSPORT.com will also have updates in our dedicated live Europa League blog.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
