Manchester United travel to Turkey to face Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday, who are managed by former manager Jose Mourinho.
In his two-and-a-half-year spell at Manchester United, Mourinho lifted the Europa League, the League Cup and the Community Shield with the Red Devils.
Current manager Erik ten Hag is trying to arrest a slide in form that has seen his position come under threat.
He will have to do without captain Bruno Fernandes for Thursday’s game, with the midfielder suspended after his red card against Porto.
Casemiro and Jonny Evans are doubts for this game after the duo picked up knocks in the victory over Brentford on the weekend.
Fenerbahçe vs Manchester United – Match Preview and Team News
Form
Fenerbahce: LWWDD
Jose Mourinho has been in the dugout in Istanbul since June but the ‘Special One’ has yet to imprint his tactical stamp on the club.
A slightly underwhelming start to their league campaign sees the club in fourth position in the Süper Lig, already chasing champions Galatasaray by a considerable eight points.
In Europe, Fenerbahce have fared more positively as they defeated Union St. Gilloise on opening night before being held to a point against FC Twente.
“I love Manchester United and wish them all the best.”
Jose Mourinho insists he has no extra motivation to win despite facing his former club, Manchester United 👀
Watch Fenerbahçe vs Man United live on 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Is0PYaNaJ5
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 24, 2024
There is a strong former Premier League contingent at Fenerbahce, including ex-Manchester United midfielders Fred and Sofyan Amrabat.
Fenerbahce has been a popular destination for Premier League players of yesteryear with the current squad including Allan Saint-Maximin, Dusan Tadic and Edin Dzeko.
Manchester United: DLDDW
Erik ten Hag has bought himself some time over the last fortnight with positive results against Aston Villa and Brentford.
With over 10 senior players unavailable, the Red Devils had to show character to react against Brentford at Old Trafford.
United fans had a familiar sinking feeling after Ethan Pinnock headed the Bees in front moments before halftime. But a spirited performance saw them fight back in the second period to turn the game on its head as goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund earned the Red Devils their first victory in over a month.
A tasty #UEL test in Turkey 🇹🇷#MUFC pic.twitter.com/kvyiJJ3snK
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 24, 2024
However, United still have work to do in the Europa League, as they only have two points from their opening two matches.
That aforementioned draw with Dutch outfit Twente was followed by a thrilling 3-3 draw away at FC Porto, where Ten Hag’s side let a two-goal lead slip.
Last Meeting: Fenerbahce 2-1 Manchester United, Europa League, 3rd November 2016.
Manchester United will be looking to avoid a repeat of the last meeting between the teams, when Fenerbahce beat them 2-1 in Turkey.
The Red Devils, under the management of Jose Mourinho, got off to a nightmare start in Istanbul when Moussa Sow acrobatically put the hosts in front within 65 seconds.
Their night got even worse on the stroke of the hour mark when former Sunderland attacker Jeremain Lens stroked home an unstoppable free-kick from 25 yards out.
Wayne Rooney netted from distance to give the visitors hope, but it proved to be little consolation as Fenerbahce claimed all three points.
The loss left Manchester United third in the group and in danger of elimination. However, a turnaround saw them progress and the Red Devils went on to win the trophy, beating Ajax in the final.
Predicted Lineups
Fenerbahce: Livakovic; Muldur, Soyuncu, Djiku, Oosterwolde; Fred, Amrabat; Saint-Maximin, Tadic, Kostic; En-Nesyri.
Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Martinez, Lindelof, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Casemiro, Eriksen; Rashford, Amad, Hojlund.
Who is the referee?
French referee Clément Turpin will be the match official. He will be assisted by Nicolas Danos and Benjamin Pages while Jérémy Stinat will be the fourth official. The VAR is Jérōme Brisard and he will be assisted by Jérémie Pignard.
What channel is Fenerbahce vs Manchester United on?
Fenerbahce vs Manchester United will be available to watch on TNT Sports 2 and Discovery+.
What time is kick off?
Kick-off at the Ulker Stadyumu Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Spor Kompleksui will be at 20:00 BST on Thursday 24th October 2024.
Odds
Fenerbahce: 2/1
Draw: 13/5
Manchester United: 5/4
Read – Champions League Awards – Ballon d’Or Vinicius’ sublime
See more – Champions League Team of the Week – Vinicius, Raphinha star