Manchester United will look to get their European campaign back on track as they come up against former Red Devils’ manager Jose Mourinho in a tantalising Europa League clash with Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday, 24 October. Kick-off is at 8pm. The Portuguese is the most successful coach in United’s post-Sir Alex Ferguson history, winning a Europa League and Carabao Cup double in 2017/2018. Here is the Manchester United predicted lineup as Erik ten Hag defies one of the game’s greatest coaches.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup Vs Fenerbahce for Jose Mourinho Reunion
How Manchester United Have Lined-Up Recently
The Red Devils have lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation recently, with André Onana in goal.
Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs De Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot start at the back, with Manuel Ugarte or Christian Eriksen playing alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
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In attacking midfield is their captain Bruno Fernandes. Two of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo play on the wings.
Joshua Zirkzee is United’s starting striker.
Manchester United Recent Form and Tactics
Manchester United secured a much needed win over Brentford last weekend, a victory that will alleviate some pressure on Ten Hag for the time being following a torrid start to the season in which the Red Devils won just two of their opening six games. That poor form, coupled with two stalemates in the Europa League, in which four points were squandered from winning positions, means that tomorrow’s game in the cauldron-like Istanbul atmosphere is vital to get the campaign back on track.
This season has seen Manchester United move away from a transition-based approach, with manager Ten Hag opting to build from the back and through midfield. Whilst the defence has been relatively solid, with new signings Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs De Ligt impressing, a lack of creativity and line-breaking passing in midfield has rendered the team somewhat toothless going forward, the Red Devils having scored just seven times in seven league games until now.
Manchester United Injuries to Consider Vs Fenerbahce
Mason Mount (Knock), Jonny Evans (Knock) and Tyrell Malacia (Knee) are doubtful for the clash. Harry Maguire (Calf) and Kobbie Mainoo (Thigh) are out for a couple of weeks and a month respectively. Casemiro is a doubt with a calf injury, whilst Lény Yoro (Ankle) is expected back next month. Luke Shaw has returned to individual training but will need a few more weeks following a long layoff.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
GK: André Onana
RB: Noussair Mazraoui
CB: Matthijs De Ligt
CB: Lisandro Martinez
LB: Diogo Dalot
CM: Christian Eriksen
CM: Manuel Ugarte
RW: Alejandro Garnacho
CAM: Bruno Fernandes
LW: Marcus Rashford
ST: Rasmus Hojlund