Erik ten Hag is looking forward to the upcoming Europa League clash with José Mourinho, describing the former Manchester United manager as “a role model for many, many coaches.”This week, United travels to Istanbul for a showdown against Fenerbahce, marking a reunion with Mourinho, who took over the Turkish club in June after being dismissed by Roma.Mourinho, known for his impressive managerial record, left a mixed legacy at United during his stint from 2016 to 2018, but he brought home the League Cup and Europa League titles.Mou’s Turkish soap opera – from the Special One to the Crying OneAfter drawing their first two Europa League games this season, United faces pressure to secure a win. Yet, Ten Hag is eager to test himself against Mourinho’s tactical prowess in Thursday’s matchup.”It’s a significant match for both of us,” Ten Hag said at the Football Writers’ Association Northern Managers Awards dinner on Sunday. “I enjoy the challenge of facing him. He always builds strong teams and is a proven winner, with a track record that sets an example for many managers.”Despite guiding United to FA Cup success last season, Ten Hag is once again under scrutiny following a rocky start to this campaign, with the team sitting 11th in the Premier League, having won only three of their first eight matches.🗓️ 03.11.2016🏆 UEFA Avrupa Ligi✌️ #Fenerbahçe 2-1 Manchester United⚽️ Moussa Sow’un röveşata golü!🎯 Jeremain Lens’in frikik golü!🗣️ Pas trafiği esnasında tribünlerimizden yükselen “Oley” sesleri!👤 Jose Mourinho📝 Sow ve Emenike’nin yedeği olan Robin van Persie pic.twitter.com/L4S0pQdTyl— Fenerbahçe Anılar (@AnilarFB) October 20, 2024 However, the Dutch coach is not shying away from the pressure.”That’s football — it’s all about the present,” he remarked. “What happened before is in the past; you have to prove yourself every day, every season. We have to push forward and aim for another trophy.”United’s spirits were lifted on Saturday when they turned the tables to defeat Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford. Rasmus Højlund netted the decisive goal, offering a glimpse of his potential.##EDITORS_CHOICE##After a first season marked by ups and downs, Højlund has had a challenging start to the current campaign due to injuries, with his weekend goal being his first in the Premier League since May.With Højlund nearing full fitness, Ten Hag is optimistic about the 21-year-old’s prospects.”He’s a natural goal-scorer,” Ten Hag noted. “The key is for him to stay fit. He dealt with numerous injuries in his first season, but if he can maintain his fitness, he will keep finding the back of the net—his stats prove that.”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***
