As Manchester United’s embattled season limps along, one would be forgiven for thinking that the team’s stuttering form has finally begun to right itself. Two draws and a narrow victory since the hapless 3-0 loss to Tottenham has given Erik ten Hag’s side a stay of execution, at least for the time being.
However, the next hurdle facing the Dutch manager is a daunting one. A trip to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce in the Europa League is just the kind of testing encounter that can expose the deeper cracks within the United squad, and Ten Hag will be desperate to prove that his team can indeed learn from their recent mistakes.
The matchup has added significance, as Ten Hag will face off against his old friend and former Porto mentor, Jose Mourinho, for the first time. The Portuguese manager’s reputation as a tactician is well known, and he will likely push United to their limits in an effort to take all three points at the Fenerbahce Stadium.
In terms of team selection, Ten Hag may opt for a more cautious approach, given the uncertainty surrounding the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt, as well as the ongoing struggles of Manuel Ugarte. However, the inclusion of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen could provide a much-needed catalyst, with the latter’s set pieces and passing range potentially causing problems for the Fenerbahce defense.
Rasmus Hojlund, fresh from his best performance in a United shirt to date, may also retain his place in the XI, while the energetic Alejandro Garnacho could continue to cause chaos down the left flank. The aggressive yet unfolding-mined Diogo Dalot, meanwhile, will hope to provide balance to the side, perhaps even assuming a more advanced role.
One thing is certain: United’s task will be to thwart Fenerbahce’s potent attack, which includes the wily Edin Dzeko, and emerge with a result that will keep the wolves from the door. For Ten Hag, this game presents a golden opportunity to signal a much-needed upturn in fortunes, and it’s hard to think of a more intriguing backdrop in which to do so. Can United, under their beleaguered manager, rise to the challenge? Only time will tell.
