Manchester United vs Fenerbahce (UEFA Europa League): Preview, Expected XI and Prediction

Manchester United will be looking to keep the winning momentum going when they face Fenerbahce tonight (October 24). The Red Devils came from behind to beat Brentford 2-1 in league action at Old Trafford on Saturday (October 19).

Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund did the damage for Erik ten Hag's side. They helped aleviate some of the pressure the Dutch coach has been under amid a dissapointing start to the season.

Manchester United vs Fenerbahce Preview

Manchester United will come up against three familiar faces in tonight's Europa League clash which is somewhat of a must-win. The Reds have started their campaign with two draws against FC Twente (1-1) and FC Porto (3-3).

Jose Mourinho is in charge of Fenerbahce, and he will face his former employers for the first time at a foreign club since his sacking in December 2018. The iconic Portuguese tactician has been playing his trademark mind games ahead of tonight's game. He's highlighted how Ten Hag has received more support than he did while at the club (via Sky Sports).

Mourinho has been similarly feeling the heat in Turkiye amid a topsy-turvy reign thus far. His troops sit fourth in the Super Lig and he was criticised after a 3-1 loss to arch-rivals Galatasaray in September.

Fenerbahce started their Europa League campaign with a 2-1 win against Union Saint-Gilloise and followed that up with a 1-1 draw against Twente. Mourinho will have former United midfield duo Fred and Sofyan Amrabat to call upon.

Manchester United last faced the Turkish giants in November 2016, suffering a 2-1 loss in the Europa League with Mourinho coincidentally in charge. The two sides have met six times in all competitions, with three wins apiece.

Manchester United Expected XI vs. Fenerbahce

Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Ugarte, Eriksen; Rashford, Hojlund, Garnacho

The Red Devils will be without captain Bruno Fernandes after his sending off against Porto last time out. The Portuguese playmaker has endured a frustrating spell this term and might benefit from a rest amid a gruelling schedule.

The question will turn to who replaces Fernandes and that will likely be Christian Eriksen. The Dane has surprisingly been one of Ten Hag's standout performers this season, bagging one goal and two assists in three Europa League games.

Marcus Rashford, Garnacho, and Hojlund can be expected to form United's frontline after their impressive collective display against Brentford. Manuel Ugarte could be handed a start alongside Casemiro to help the Reds control midfield in Istanbul.

Noussair Mazraoui had been sidelined with a fitness problem but is available for tonight's game. The Moroccan should slot back into right-back, moving Diogo Dalot to the left. Matthijs de Ligt was excellent against Brentford and should partner Lisandro Martinez in central defence with Andre Onana continuing in goal.

Manchester United vs. Fenerbahce Prediction

Manchester United are tough to call this season and will be desperate to get a win under their belt in the Europa League. The problem is, is that Ten Hag comes up against a proven winner in Mourinho who loves getting one over those who have wronged him in the past.

If the Red Devils' attack can replicate their performance against Brentford they should cause Fenerbahce problems. The midfield battle will be important as Fred is shining in Turkiye and proving many of his doubters wrong.

The onus will be on United's defence to stay resolute and focused, which they weren't in Porto two weeks ago. This could be a tight game that neither side wants to risk losing.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Fenerbahce

Where to watch and match details

Match Information: Fenerbahce vs Manchester United
Location: Ulker Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium
When: 24/10/2024
Kick-Off: 20:00 GMT
TV: TNT Sports