Three storylines to intrigue fans ahead of massive Fenerbahce vs Man United clash | OneFootball

Manchester United travel to Istanbul to take on Fenerbahce in a crucial Europa League encounter for both sides.

A win would mark a decent start to three of United’s tougher fixtures where a loss would make for a disastrous two points from nine and heap the pressure on the Red Devils to qualify for the last 32, never mind finish in the top eight which ensures automatic progression to the last 16 stage.

United have played Fenerbahce six times in their history, winning three and losing the other three.

Four of the matches have taken place in the Champions League with Wayne Rooney’s iconic debut hat trick in September 2004 in a 6-2 romp holding a special place in United fans’ hearts. The last meeting was a 2-1 victory for the Turks in October 2016 in the Europa League under the now manager of the Turkish club, Jose Mourinho.

Here are some fascinating plotlines to digest in anticipation of the huge clash.

The Mourinho matchup

As expected, the build up to this fixture has been widely focused on Jose Mourinho, having managed the Red Devils from 2016 until 2018.

Current United manager Erik ten Hag has already spoken on his delight to be facing Mourinho and lavished praise on his trophy-winning past.

It has been reported that a loss in Turkyie could see Ten Hag fall under even more pressure and there is no doubt Mourinho would love to be the one to apply it.

The “special one” spoke glowingly of his former team, claiming he still “loved the club and the fans” but, in classic Mourinho style, made sure to imply that he did not receive the type of support at Old Trafford that Ten Hag has.

What’s more, Mourinho is under pressure himself at Fenerbahce after they find themselves languishing in 4th position in the league, eight points behind Galatasaray, so the Portuguese will also be desperate for a win for himself as much as he will be thinking of revenge.

Fred and Sofyan Amrabat face former side

Mourinho is not the only familiar face between the two sides.

Fred, who was signed by Mourinho in 2018, played 213 times for the Red Devils and at one point was a regular starter under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Brazilian moved to the Turkish capital last summer, making an impressive start to life and has continued to shine, sensationally scoring a hat trick earlier this season.

Whilst Fred had plenty of critics during his time at United, there is no doubt that his high energy pressing brought a different dynamic to the midfield that has so far not been replaced.

Amrabat was on loan last season at Old Trafford but failed to secure a permanent move as the United decision makers decided to press ahead with a transfer for Manuel Ugarte.

The Moroccan hardly pulled up many trees at United but he did impress in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City last May.

United keeper Altay Bayindir will also be facing his former side but he will be unlikely to feature as Andre Onana is very much Ten Hag’s European keeper, with the Turk more likely to get another chance against Leicester in the Carabao Cup next week.

United’s horrible record in Turkyie

Turkyie is famous for creating hostile environments that not many teams enjoy visiting.

Whilst United are not alone in having a disappointing record against Turkish teams in their homeland, it is concerning nonetheless.

Since 1993, the Red Devils have travelled to the country nine times and have only won three matches, away to tonight’s opponents in 1996, against Besiktas in 2009 and the last victory came in 2010 in a 3-0 win over Bursaspor.

They have also accumulated two draws and four defeats in this time.

In fact, they have failed to win in their last four visits to Turkyie losing 1-0 to Galatasaray in 2012, 2-1 to Fenerbahce in 2016 and 2-1 to Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyespor in 2020.

Of course nobody could forget the chaotic and highly damaging 3-3 draw away to Galatasaray last year where Ten Hag’s side twice surrendered a two goal advantage. The Dutchman’s uncertain future at present means he cannot afford a repeat tonight.

Therefore United will be searching for their first win in the country for 14 years as they aim to get a vital three points in the fledgling league stage of a competition they are desperate to win.

Featured image Ahmad Mora via Getty Images