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Manchester United take on Fenerbahce in a Europa League clash in Istanbul, as Jose Mourinho faces his former side.
Mourinho was in typical box-office form as he welcomed Erik ten Hag’s team to Turkey and is no doubt relishing the chance to add to their difficult start to the season. The Portuguese spent an eventful two-and-a-half years at United before he was sacked following a poor run of form in December 2018.
The pressure on his successor, Ten Hag, was lifted slightly by Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Brentford in the Premier League. The result ended a run of five games in a row without a win, which included draws against FC Twente and Porto to start their Europa League campaign.
Ten Hag’s side can expect a hostile atmosphere in Istanbul and United have not won any of their last four trips to Turkey, including a dramatic 3-3 draw away to Galatasaray last season. Follow live updates from the Europa League clash between Fenerbahce and Manchester United, below
Fenerbahce 0-0 Manchester United
2 mins: Mazraoui is indeed in an advanced midfield position, ahead of Ugarte and Eriksen and being Zirkzee. Mourinho callled for the home fans to be loud and they have answered his call. It’s incredible.
Jamie Braidwood24 October 2024 20:03
Fenerbahce 0-0 Manchester United
It’s been over a year since Manchester United last won in Europe. It could be their worst run in 41 years if they don’t win tonight!
We’re underway in Istanbul. There are loud whistles for the United huddle. Martinez is captain with Fernandes suspended.
Jamie Braidwood24 October 2024 20:00
Fenerbahce vs Manchester United
Manchester United are without a win in this season’s Europa League after draws against FC Twente and Porto.
Can Erik ten Hag’s side get three points tonight? Or will Jose Mourinho find a way to pile the pressure on his former club?
Kick-off is next. It’s going to be loud!
Jamie Braidwood24 October 2024 19:55
Mourinho names Europa League favourites - and it’s not Fenerbahce
Jose Mourinho also declared that Manchester United and Tottenham, two of his former clubs, are clear favourites to win the Europa League this season.
“The results Man Utd is having, then the potential of the team, that is high, the two draws in the Europa League do not favour us, but doesn't make a huge difference.
At the end of the day, this new format, the top teams will always qualify, no problem for top teams to lose three or four matches out of eight, but then they will win three or four and qualify easily.
“They're in a stable situation. Which are the two biggest candidates to win it? It's easy, Man Utd and Tottenham. It's a different level of quality, pace, tactical culture, a different level of everything.”
Jamie Braidwood24 October 2024 19:55
Jose Mourinho’s final thoughts ahead of facing Manchester United
Jose Mourinho, speaking to TNT Sports.
“I feel good. Of course I would love an easier draw, especially this one against a very good Premier League team that is a different level.
“There were so many Champions League matches on Tuesday and Wednesday that were not as good as this one can be. Let’s try to win it.
“They were good [against Brentford]. As I say, when I analyse the team I can see the work that he [Ten Hag] is doing. Tactically they know what they want to do.
“They have certain dynamics that can be difficult to identify, we have to focus on the movements and not the players. We have tried to prepare them for this.
“We need support [from the crowd]. The Turkish culture can go in both directions. Hopefully they understand it is a difficult match for us and United will have the ball.
“We are missing a lot of players, players in different positions. When I see people moaning about the Manchester United players not there, I think, they should not be moaning.
“But I was also moaning when I was there!”
Jamie Braidwood24 October 2024 19:50
Manchester United expecting to face ‘hostile’ atmosphere
Erik ten Hag, speaking to TNT Sports, on what he will expect to face against Fenerbahce and Jose Mourinho tonight.
“The atmosphere will be very loud for sure, very hostile for sure,” he said.
“But we know the style, we know the style of the manager. He will play from the underdog position, he will play counter-attacks and he can do that very good.
“We have to be prepared for it, read the game and play it smart.”
Jamie Braidwood24 October 2024 19:42
Erik ten Hag confirms Rasmus Hojlund rested ahead of West Ham
Erik ten Hag adds that Rasmus Hojlund is still “building” his fitness and has dropped to the bench tonight ahead of the West Ham game on Sunday. The striker scored in the 2-1 win over Brentford but is replaced by Joshua Zirkzee in one of four changes.
“Rasmus is just returning from a big injury and we have to build him. We want to avoid him getting injured again and Sunday is another big game.”
Jamie Braidwood24 October 2024 19:35
Erik ten Hag confirms Noussair Mazraoui will play at No 10
Erik ten Hag confirms that Noussair Mazraoui will play in the No 10 position for his side tonight, in place of the suspended Bruno Fernandes.
He told TNT Sports: “We have injuries, we have a suspension. We had to be a bit creative. We have players who have a short turnaround to West Ham [on Sunday] so we had to make changes there. It’s not so different because we want to keep the consistency. We have Christian [Eriksen] and Manu [Ugarte].
“We bring Mazraoui into the No 10 position. I know him from before, at Ajax, and sometimes I played him there as well. Sometimes as a full-back he comes into the half-spaces. He is capable of doing this job.”
Jamie Braidwood24 October 2024 19:24
Jose Mourinho offers support to under-fire Erik ten Hag
Jose Mourinho did not criticise under-fire United boss Erik Ten Hag as he talked up the quality at his disposal, with the Portuguese’s fondness for his old club and Premier League life palpable.
“Maybe you English guys think I’m bluffing, you think I am playing how they used to call it ‘mind games’ or whatever,” he said in his press conference. “I’m not playing anything.
“They have a better team than the results are showing. Of course, I study them the maximum I could with my staff, my analysts. We watch everything in the Premier League, watch everything in the two matches - Twente and Porto.
“There is work there. They will succeed sooner or later, hopefully sooner and hopefully before one day I go back to the Premier League and they become my opponent.”
Jamie Braidwood24 October 2024 19:15
Erik ten Hag was out early applauding the United fans who have made the trip to Istanbul.
Jamie Braidwood24 October 2024 19:00