At 3:00 AM China Time on the 25th, in the third round of the first stage of the Europa League, Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe will host Premier League side Manchester United at Istanbul. This match also features a clash between coaches José Mourinho and Erik ten Hag.
The focus of the pre-match media is naturally on the confrontation between these two renowned managers. From Manchester United’s perspective, both have been highly controversial during their tenures at the club. After 8 rounds, United can only sit 12th in the league table, and British media have been speculating about ten Hag’s potential dismissal for weeks. Mourinho is also facing some criticism in Turkey, especially after failing to qualify for the Champions League and currently sitting fourth in the Super Lig. At the pre-match press conference, ten Hag stated, “Mourinho and I have won many trophies in recent years,” while Mourinho responded, “Ten Hag has received far more support from Manchester United than I did at the time.” Both statements have sparked heated discussions, making this match highly anticipated.
In terms of form, Manchester United ended a five-game winless streak across all competitions with a victory over Brentford in the last Premier League match. However, in the Europa League, United have drawn against Twente and Porto, putting them under significant pressure in the group stage.
Fenerbahçe has failed to win in two of their last three Super Lig matches and currently sits fourth in the table. However, in the Europa League, Fenerbahçe has accumulated 4 points from their first two matches, putting them in a favorable position. Additionally, Fenerbahçe’s home advantage should not be underestimated; they have won 8 out of 13 home matches in European competitions (Champions League + Europa League + Europa Conference League) since last season.
In terms of head-to-head records, according to UEFA statistics, the two teams have met six times historically, with each winning three matches. In the 1996-97 Champions League group stage, Fenerbahçe lost 0-2 at home and won 1-0 away. In the new millennium, the two teams met twice in the group stages of European competitions, with Manchester United winning 6-2 and 4-1 at home but losing 0-3 and 1-2 away. Turkish media have pointed out that in official European competition matches, Fenerbahçe has faced the two wealthy clubs from Manchester eight times, recording a 4-1-3 (W-D-L) record, showing they are not at a disadvantage.
In terms of squad availability, Manchester United is dealing with multiple injuries and suspensions. Besides Yorou, Malacia, Luke Shaw, Maguire, and Evans continuing to be absent, in midfield, only Casemiro, Eriksen, and Ugarte have traveled to the away match. The absence of Mount, Ménino, and Fernandes leaves the manager short-handed. For Fenerbahçe, starting left-back Ostrvold is out with a ligament injury, and star winger Under is dealing with a groin injury.
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