This week’s much-anticipated Europa League showdown sees Manchester United travel to Turkey to face Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce on Thursday evening.
Erik ten Hag’s side have mustered only two points from as many games following their draws with FC Twente and FC Porto. They were held at home by FC Twente before an exciting 3-3 stalemate away at Porto, a point salvaged only by a stoppage-time header from Harry Maguire.
For the Red Devils, this clash at the Sukru Sarcoglou Stadium represents more or less a must-win scenario. A win-less start to the campaign means they are well behind in the newly-created Europa League format, and beating Jose Mourinho’s side away from home won’t be an easy task for the 20-time English champions.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United have dealt a blow ahead of the game as Jonny Evans was omitted from the 20-man travelling squad after picking up a knock in their 2-1 win over Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
Other absentees include Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, while Bruno Fernandes is suspended following the red card he received in the 3-3 draw with Porto.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Fenerbahce (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana is expected to keep his place in goal. He has been Man United’s best player this season, and Erik ten Hag will hope his goalkeeper produces a top display to help his team get their first win of the Europa League campaign.
Defence
In front of Onana, we could see Matthijs de Ligt start alongside Lisandro Martinez in central defence. Victor Lindelof is also an option to play in that position but Ten Hag is expected to go with the reliable pair of De Ligt and Martinez.
Noussair Mazraoui appeared off the bench for some minutes in the 2-1 win over Brentford after recovering from his health problem. He could start at right-back, meaning Diogo Dalot will move on the opposite side of the back four.
Midfield
Bruno Fernandes’ suspension is likely to see Christian Eriksen operate in an advanced midfield role. Eriksen has been in good form this season, and with his incisive passing and vision, he will look to unlock the Fenerbahce defence.
The double pivot of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte will give United’s midfield a solid look, with the South American duo hoping to control the game against Mourinho’s men.
Attack
The trio of Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho clicked into gear against Brentford and Ten Hag has no reason to not go with the same front three in midweek.
Antony, Amad Diallo and Joshua Zirkzee will get an opportunity to make an impact off the bench.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
