Injuries and bad European record. Those are the main themes for Manchester United this week. When we add to that the opponent, things are getting even more interested. Fenerbahce is led by United’s coach Jose Mourinho, and the Turkish giant features a number of former Manchester’s or Ten Hag’s players. United have won one of their past ten European matches. They have scored 12 goals in their last four European away ties yet lost two 4-3 and drew the other two 3-3. Their last away victory in European competition was against Real Betis in the Europa League round-of-16 in March 2023.Zirkzee likes United but would like to be (re)united with Motta moreOn top of that, the number of injured players is still high. As much as 10 players will miss the game tonight. Mason Mount, Leny Yoro (metatarsal), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Luke Shaw (calf), Harry Maguire (muscle), Jonny Evans (knock), Kobbie Mainoo (hamstring), Toby Collyer and Dan Gore are all out injured while Bruno Fernandes is suspended after his sending off against Porto three weeks ago. Kids like Habeeb Ogunneye and Harry Amass have been added to the team in a case of emergency, but even with these two on the bench, the Red Devils have gone to Istanbul with only 20 players – three fewer than the maximum they are allowed for their UEFA matchday squad!Mourinho hoping to get his fourth PL title with Manchester UnitedFor coach Erik ten Hag, who is already under pressure, none of this is a problem. He is trying to remain positive.”This season we just started, we have two draws. First season, I think we won a lot of European games. Last season, obviously it was for domestic and also in Europe, was a difficult journey. But we are confident, we are confident we are capable to do this, to win games in the Premier League and in Europe” he said at the press conference.Rivalry drips over outside England: City breaks United’s unbeaten Champions League recordHis counterpart, a much more successful coach Jose Mourinho already put pressure on Ten Hag by saying that he was given less time on United’s bench than the Dutchman, and also proclaimed that Tottenham and Manchester are two biggest favorites to win the Europa League.”Mourinho and I, we won a lot of trophies the last years but you have to prove yourself every year and when you don’t win we are always under criticism. We know that we are experienced enough. Professional football is about winning games and when you don’t win, the criticism is coming. But at the end of the day, it’s about how you are at the end of the year. Mourinho is so experienced, he will lead this team to its best form, he will be successful and so will we. We are convinced we are in the right direction, that we follow the right path and we will achieve what our targets are” said the Dutchman.🚨 NEW:Some Premier League clubs have approached Manchester United about the availability of Antony in January. United have given the green light to let him go on loan and want him to stay in Europe to try to recoup some of the investment. #MUFC [@simpraisa, @GoalBR] pic.twitter.com/fad3t1Y1vE— mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) October 23, 2024 The one thing which gives this match another great perspective is the fact that Ten Hag will facing so many former players.”Fenerbahce is a very good team with a lot of good players. We know some: Fred a long time at Manchester United, very experienced, we won the Carabao Cup with him. Sofyan Amrabat: we won the FA Cup with him, very experienced, also very good in World Cup. Dusan Tadic: a long history with him at Ajax, won a lot of trophies with him. They have so many experienced and good players. We will not underestimate them or overestimate them, we have to play our own game. We love to play in this environment, we look forward and we always look forward against good teams as a professional footballer to go with these challenges” he said.UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE – ROUND 3Wednesday17:30: (1.80) Braga (3.60) Bodo (4.60)17:30: (1.25) Galatasaray (6.50) Elfsborg (10.5)Thursday19:45: (1.17) Eintr.Frankfurt (8.00) Rigas (14.0)19:45: (3.05) Ferencvaros (3.35) Nice (2.35)19:45: (4.80) Maccabi T.A. (3.50) Sociedad (1.78)19:45: (2.20) Midtjylland (3.45) St.Gilloise (3.25)19:45: (2.00) PAOK (3.50) Plzen (3.70)19:45: (3.10) Qarabag (3.50) Ajax (2.25)19:45: (1.62) Roma (3.80) Dynamo Kyiv (5.80)22:00: (1.85) Anderlecht (3.50) Ludogorets (4.40)22:00: (1.85) Ath.Bilbao (3.50) Slavia Praha (4.40)22:00: (2.75) Fenerbahce (3.35) Man.Utd. (2.55)22:00: (2.80) Malmo (3.30) Olympiakos (2.55)22:00: (1.72) Olympique Lyon (3.70) Besiktas (5.00)22:00: (1.62) Porto (3.90) Hoffenheim (5.60)22:00: (1.50) Rangers (4.20) FCSB (6.75)22:00: (1.45) Tottenham (4.50) AZ Alkmaar (7.00)22:00: (2.75) Twente (3.30) Lazio (2.60)***odds are subject to change***
