Fenerbahce vs Manchester United Preview
- Draw or Fenerbahce win
- Tadić to score or assist
Mourinho Faces Old Foe in Manchester United Clash
José Mourinho will lead his Fenerbahçe side against a familiar opponent in Manchester United, a club where he had notable success, including lifting the UEFA Europa League (UEL) trophy in 2017.
Now at the helm of Fenerbahçe, Mourinho is tasked with ending a decade-long domestic title drought, but his side’s recent slip in the Turkish Super Lig — a disappointing draw that leaves them eight points behind arch-rivals Galatasaray — has put pressure on the legendary manager.
Fenerbahçe have shown promise in the UEL so far this season (W1, D1), and with an impressive record at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, where they are unbeaten in their last nine UEL matches (W6, D3), they’ll be confident of extending that run.
Despite recent criticism from club legend Volkan Demirel, who labelled the team as “unhappy and hopeless,” Mourinho will look to the Europa League as a much-needed distraction to reignite their campaign.
Manchester United Seeking Stability in Europe
Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s current boss, is also under scrutiny after a difficult start to the season. Although a 2-1 comeback victory against Brentford last weekend alleviated some of the pressure, United’s struggles in Europe continue.
They’ve failed to secure a win in their opening two UEL matches, squandering leads to draw both games. Additionally, their struggles on Turkish soil are well-documented, with a loss to Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League last season serving as a stark reminder.
Without their influential captain, Bruno Fernandes, due to suspension, and with a poor recent European away record (W1, D4, L5 in their last ten matches), Manchester United’s task in Istanbul looks formidable. The Red Devils have also lost their last two visits to Fenerbahçe, adding to their concerns as they head into this crucial UEL fixture.
Key Players to Watch
Dušan Tadić (Fenerbahçe)
The Serbian midfielder has been in fine form, contributing directly to nine goals in his last eight matches (G6, A3), including Fenerbahçe’s only goal in their 1-1 draw with Twente on matchday two.
Praised by Mourinho for his creativity and leadership, Tadić will be central to Fenerbahçe’s chances of success in this encounter.
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
The young Argentine winger was on the scoresheet in United’s 2-1 win against Brentford and will be a key player in Fernandes’ absence.
Garnacho has a knack for delivering on big European nights, with both of his European goals for United coming as first-half openers on the road, including one against Galatasaray last year.
Conclusion
Both sides are under pressure for different reasons, with Fenerbahçe looking to bounce back from their domestic struggles and Manchester United eager to stabilise their shaky European form.
Mourinho will be keen to get one over on his former club, especially with home advantage, while Ten Hag knows that another European slip-up could reignite the crisis at Old Trafford.
Prediction: Fenerbahçe to edge a closely contested match, given their strong home record and United’s European struggles on the road.
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