There’s a fascinating sub-plot in the Europa League match between Fenerbahce and Manchester United on Thursday as it sees Jose Mourinho take on his former employers.
The Portuguese head coach was Man Utd boss between 2016 and 2018 but left in acrimonious circumstances to be replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
He went on to manage Tottenham, Roma and now Fenerbahce.
Match Preview
Fenerbahce Recent Form
In the middle of September, Fenerbahce suffered a damaging loss 3-1 loss against arch-rivals Galatasaray in the league.
Since then they have gone four games unbeaten, beating Antalyaspor and drawing with Samsunspor in the Turkish Super Lig and beating Union SG and drawing with FC Twente in the Europa League.
Fenerbahce Injury News
Cengiz Under, Ismail Yuksek, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Irfan Can Egribayat have been joined recently on the injured list by Jayden Oosterwolde, who suffered a cruciate ligament injury at the weekend.
Filip Kostic, Oguz Ayden, Bartug Elmaz and Levent Mercan are not in the Europa League squad.
Last Fenerbahce Lineup
Here’s how Fenerbahce lined up against Samsunspor.
Man Utd Form
Man Utd and Erik ten Hag earned a much, much-needed victory at the weekend as they emerged 2-1 winners over Brentford at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.
Prior to that, they went five games without a win, drawing with Twente and Porto in the Europa League, losing against Tottenham in the Premier League and also drawing with Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in the top flight.
Man Utd Injury News
Man Utd have a number of injury issues to contend with as Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount and Toby Collyer remain out.
Casemiro is a doubt after being withdrawn against Brentford due to a calf problem.
Bruno Fernandes is suspended.
Last Man Utd Lineup
Here’s how Man Utd lined up against Brentford.
Fenerbahce – Player To Watch
Veteran attacking midfielder Dusan Tadic has been brilliant for Fenerbahce this season with five goals and three assists in eight starts in the Turkish Super Lig.
Man Utd – Player To Watch
Rasmus Hojlund has struggled with injuries so far this season but scored his first Premier League goal of the campaign at the weekend so will hope to kick on from here to help his team.
Fenerbahce vs Man Utd – Prediction
Man Utd are without the influence of Bruno Fernandes here, and although he hasn’t been in good form, will still be a big miss for the Red Devils. One thing is for certain – Jose Mourinho will have his players fired up.
Scoreline prediction – Fenerbahce 2-2 Man Utd
Fenerbahce vs Man Utd – Betting Tips
Over 2.5 Goals Scored
– In Man Utd’s last five games, 17 goals have been scored
– In four out of Fenerbahce’s last five games, both teams have scored
