Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag faces his toughest test to date as he takes his side to Turkish soil to face Fenerbahce in the Europa League. The Dutchman will be without a host of key players, including captain Bruno Fernandes, who was sent off in the draw with FC Porto, and defenders Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire.
Despite the absentees, ten Hag remains confident that his squad has the quality to pick up three points against a Fenerbahce side that has been in solid form of late. “The players who are available have to do the job and they are capable of doing the job,” he said. “I think we have enough players in the team that are so experienced. Our team is so experienced. We’ve faced such situations more often.”
Eleven days have passed since ten Hag’s last press conference, and the Manchester United manager has been watching his side train hard in preparation for this match. The players, according to reports, are raring to go and eager to prove their worth without some of the club’s biggest names.
On the opposing side, Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho, the former Manchester United boss, was his usual cunning self ahead of the match. The 61-year-old, who managed United to Europa League success in 2017, has had a few jabs at his old club. “I think we still have a chance to win the league, maybe they punish Manchester City with points, we win that league. They have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal,” he said, tongue firmly in cheek.
Despite the playful jabs, Mourinho reserved special praise for his old club. “The players who are here now keep faith in the coach, supporting the coach, who is staying season after season. That means stability and means trust, giving him conditions to keep his job. That was a different simulation to me.”
The situation is set to be a mouth-watering contest, with both sides boasting strong squads and a deep sense of determination. For ten Hag, it is a golden opportunity to prove his doubters wrong, while Mourinho has a chance to outdo his former club and prove his latest managerial stint is no fluke.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, with two teams eager to make amends for past results. One thing is certain – both sides will give it their all in a bid to emerge victorious.
