Manchester United will be taking on Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday night as the Europa League continues.
There will be a renewed confidence around Manchester United this week after the 2-1 win at Old Trafford against Brentford.
The game saw goals from both Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund on the scoresheet as Erik ten Hag put the winless streak to rest – coming from behind in doing so to move up to 12th in the league.
Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
11 | B’mouthBournemouth | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 11 |
12 | Man UtdManchester United | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 11 |
13 | BrentfordBrentford | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 14 | 15 | -1 | 10 |
United’s second-half performance was great, and more football like that should see the Red Devils make easy work of an under-pressure Jose Mourinho.
That being said, United will have to do something Sir Alex Ferguson never could by beating the ‘special one’ away from home – and Ten Hag has a weakened team at his disposal to do so.
- READ MORE:
How Manchester United could line-up vs Fenerbahce
Heading to Turkey, Ten Hag will be without his United captain due to Bruno Fernandes being suspended following his red card against Porto.
Meanwhile, the injury list entails Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount.
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In Ten Hag’s 20-man squad for the trip, he has included academy stars Habeeb Ogunneye and Harry Amass, while academy graduate Ethan Wheatley is also included.
Here is how we’ve predicted United to line-up on Thursday.
Andre Onana
Starting in goal, there is no doubt that it will be Andre Onana considering the lack of trust Ten Hag has in Altay Bayindir – he has only started him against EFL sides so far in his United career.
- READ MORE: Who is Andre Onana? Delve into the life of Manchester United’s Cameroonian shot-stopper
Noussair Mazraoui
Moving into the defence, Ten Hag won’t want to change too much from the winning formula against Brentford and so we expect Noussair Mazraoui to start – perhaps an Ogunneye debut if United are comfortable.
- READ: Who is Noussair Mazraoui? Meet Manchester United’s new right-back
Victor Lindelof
Hopefully, Matthijs de Ligt gets the night off following his warriors performance on Saturday – this leaves Victor Lindelof in line for a return to the starting line-up due to injuries to both Evans and Maguire.
Lisandro Martinez
Partnering Lindelof we expect will be Lisandro Martinez as he unfortunately has reinforcement to allow him a rest here. Plus he will be key in the pressure cooker environment that Turkish away games tend to provide.
- READ MORE: Who is Lisandro Martinez? Step inside the life of Manchester United’s tenacious Argentine
Diogo Dalot
In left-back, Diogo Dalot should continue where he has been playing so well for most of the season. Like with Ogunneye, a debut for Amass could occur although likely only if United hold a commanding lead.
- READ MORE: Who is Diogo Dalot? Height, Salary, Position, Wife, Kids, Parents
Casemiro
United only took three midfielders to Turkey, which makes the selection in these positions fairly simple – Casemiro will occupy one of the two pivot positions after the Brazilian put in a brilliant display against Brentford.
Manuel Ugarte
Alongside Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte should be afforded the chance to start and hopefully, this is the game he announces himself in and can begin to prove himself worth the £42m he cost.
- READ: Who is Manuel Ugarte? Everything you need to know on Uruguay midfielder
Amad Diallo
Despite a strong start to the season, Amad Diallo has been left on the bench for two consecutive games. However, he has started both Europa League games this season and should also start here.
- READ MORE: Who is Amad Diallo? Height, Position, Transfer Fee, Salary, Career
Christian Eriksen
With Bruno out, Christian Eriksen is the likely man to replace him as he is on a real hot streak right now and has been so very creative and also a goal threat – scoring three and assisting three this campaign.
Alejandro Garnacho
On the right, Alejandro Garnacho should get another start and the chance to build on his excellent display at the weekend – with Marcus Rashford rested.
- READ MORE: Who is Alejandro Garnacho? Meet Man Utd’s dazzling Argentine
Joshua Zirkzee
- READ: Who is Joshua Zirkzee? Meet the 6’4″ Man Utd signing who reminds Thiago Motta of Ronaldinho
Rasmus Hojlund has proven himself already to be number one as he’s scored twice in three starts – but here we assume it will be Joshua Zirkzee leading the line.
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Alejandro GarnachoAmad DialloAndre OnanaCasemiroChristian EriksenDiogo DalotErik ten HagEuropa LeagueJoshua ZirkzeeLisandro MartinezManuel UgarteNoussair MazraouiVictor Lindelof