The upcoming match between Manchester United and Fenerbahce promises to be an intriguing affair, with several reunions set to take place on the pitch. Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho will be in the opposition dugout, seeking revenge against his old employers. As Erik ten Hag’s side prepares to face Fenerbahce, we take a look at the seven stars of the Turkish side that the Red Devils must be wary of.
First up, there’s Dusan Tadic, the prolific winger who has continued to rack up goal contributions since leaving Southampton in 2018. With 105 goals and 112 assists in 241 games for Ajax before joining Fenerbahce in 2023, Tadic has become a nightmare for defenders. His pace and trickery have yielded 16 goals and 16 assists last season, and he has already topped the scoring and assist charts this year. United’s left side, which has been weakened by Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia’s injuries, may struggle to contain the Serbian.
Another familiar face in the Fenerbahce squad is Edin Dzeko, the 38-year-old striker who has been finding the net consistently. With nine goals from 14 games this season, Dzeko remains a threat despite being no longer the athlete he once was. His nine goals in 11 previous meetings with Manchester United, accumulated during his time at Manchester City, Roma, and Wolfsburg, make him a player United should respect.
Allan Saint-Maximin, the tricky winger, is another familiar face who joined Fenerbahce on a summer transfer after a brief stint with Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli. With two goals and three assists from the left wing, Saint-Maximin has already made an impact, and his flair and skill could cause problems for United’s porous defense.
Fred, the Brazilian midfielder, left Manchester United for Fenerbahce in 2023 and has thrived in his new role. With six goals and 11 assists from 45 appearances, Fred has become the box-to-box threat United always hoped he would be, and his determination and work rate have earned him a place in Fenerbahce’s midfield.
Another reunion comes in the form of Sofyan Amrabat, who joined Fenerbahce on a permanent deal that will become official next summer. The Morocco international was on loan at Manchester United last season, but the deal was cancelled, allowing him to join Fenerbahce. With Fred, Amrabat forms a dynamic midfield partnership that United will need to be aware of.
Dominik Livakovic, the Croatia international goalkeeper, has been a revelation for Fenerbahce, racking up 22 clean sheets and showcasing his exceptional shot-stopping abilities. His performances in the 2022 World Cup and 2024 European Championship have left few doubters about his quality, and United will hope to find a way to breach his defenses.
Finally, Mert Muldur, the 25-year-old right-back, has long been linked with a transfer to the Premier League. His speed and strength make him a threat going forward, and his partnership with Tadic has been a major success. United’s weakened left side may struggle to contain Muldur’s attacks, making him another player to keep an eye on.
As the match approaches, United fans will be eager to see if their side can contain the familiar faces and confounding talents within the Fenerbahce squad. With Mourinho’s cunning meanwhile, United will need to be at their best to navigate the challenges ahead.
