Fenerbahce vs Manchester United – UEFA Europa League – Preview, Team News and Updates

While the Champions League tends to steal the spotlight as UEFA’s flagship competition, the Europa League often delivers its own brand of excitement. Every gameweek has something intriguing to offer, and Gameweek 3 is no exception. This Thursday night, Manchester United are set for a reunion with a familiar face, as they travel to take on none other than José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.

Manchester United fans and Jose Mourinho have a love-hate relationship. While he still remains the most successful manager in the post-Fergie era, Mourinho’s pragmatic approach didn’t go down well with the Red Devils faithful. However, both the parties have moved on, and tonight’s clash presents the ideal chance for both clubs to assert themselves as leading contenders for a guaranteed knockout round spot. It’s the first time they’ve faced off since that memorable night in November 2016, when Mourinho’s United fell 2-1 in a Europa League group stage showdown. With another gripping battle set to unfold, the stage is set—who will step up and claim bragging rights this time around? 

Fenerbahce vs Manchester United – Match Preview 

Erik Ten Hag’s third season at Old Trafford hasn’t exactly gone to plan for either the United hierarchy or the fans. Despite being in charge for a while now, Ten Hag still seems to be searching for a clear identity for his team. The pressure is mounting, especially given United's rocky start to the 2024/25 season, where they find themselves languishing in 12th place in the Premier League, managing only 11 points from eight games. What’s even more alarming than their position on the table is their struggle to find the back of the net. With just seven goals in those eight league matches, United’s attacking woes are hard to ignore. Sure, their recent 2-1 win over Brentford eased some of the tension around Ten Hag’s future, but there’s still a mountain of work ahead to restore United to their former glory as a European powerhouse. 

On the continental front, it’s been the same story for United fans – dull, uninspiring performances, leading to an underwhelming start to their Europa League campaign. After two group games, United has managed to scrape together just two points, with disappointing draws against Twente (1-1) and Porto (3-3) doing Ten Hag no favors. If they’re serious about securing one of the eight guaranteed knockout spots, they need to start racking up wins—and fast. Unfortunately, United’s recent European form has been dismal, managing just one win in their last ten continental outings. Even more telling, they’ve failed to win any of their last five European games. The common thread? Erik Ten Hag at the helm. With pressure building, the Dutchman is in dire need of a victory to shift the narrative. The clock is ticking. 

On the flip side, former United boss Jose Mourinho isn’t under any pressure of losing his job. The Portuguese mastermind was welcomed with open arms by Fenerbahce fans, who have yearned for a trophy for years. With Jose being a serial winner, many Fenerbahce fans feel that he can finally end their decade-long wait for a trophy. So far, Mourinho has made a promising start. Fenerbahce currently occupy the 4th spot in the Turkish Super Lig with 17 points from eight games.  

In Europa League, Fener have accrued 4 points thanks to a 2-1 win against Union Saint-Gilliose in their UEL opener and a 1-1 draw against Twente. Now, they are set to face off against none other than José Mourinho’s former club, Manchester United. Fenerbahçe will definitely be feeling confident going into this match, especially since they’re on a seven-game unbeaten streak at home in the Europa League. To add to the intrigue, the Yellow Canaries have also managed to beat United in their last two home encounters. It’s shaping up to be an exciting clash. 

Fenerbahce vs Manchester United – Team News and Updates 

Fenerbahçe will be feeling the pinch with left-back Jayden Oosterwolde sidelined after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Samsunspor last weekend. He joins Cengiz Ünder (groin), İsmail Yüksek (shoulder), Bright Osayi-Samuel (foot), and İrfan Can Eğribayat (muscle) in the treatment room. Adding to the mix, Filip Kostić, Oğuz Aydın, Bartuğ Elmaz, and Levent Mercan have all been left out of the club's Europa League squad. 

With Oosterwolde out, José Mourinho may have to get creative, potentially deploying either Mert Müldür or former Man United midfielder Fred at left-back. There's also a chance that Alexander Djiku could shift over to right-back. If Fred isn’t called upon to fill in on the left, he might partner with another ex-Red Devil, Sofyan Amrabat, in a deep-lying midfield role. Meanwhile, Allan Saint-Maximin could take Kostić's place on the left, while Youssef En-Nesyri and former Manchester City striker Edin Džeko vie for a starting spot up front. 

On the other hand, Manchester United is dealing with its own injury woes. Leny Yoro (foot) is back in training but still unavailable, joining Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire (both muscle injuries), Luke Shaw (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Mason Mount (knock), and Toby Collyer (unspecified) on the sidelines. Jonny Evans will also miss out due to a knock. Despite coming off late against Brentford with a calf issue, Casemiro has made the trip and could start in midfield alongside Manuel Ugarte. Christian Eriksen might step into the number 10 role to cover for suspended captain Bruno Fernandes. Noussair Mazraoui is eyeing a return at right-back, which could see Diogo Dalot shift to left-back. Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee will continue to push for a starting role as the central striker, going head-to-head with Højlund. 

Fenerbahce vs Manchester United – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 25th October 2024 (Friday) at Ulker Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul. The match will kick off at 12:30 AM (Indian Standard Time).      

Also Read: 3 Things We Learnt From Wednesday Night’s Champions League Action