Mourinho would expect his team to be sharper on the attack this time when they will be hosting Turkish side Fenerbahce this Thursday at Old Trafford. With all his tactics falling into places, Manchester United are expected to achieve what went missing against Liverpool.
Winning this match could further send Manchester United to the top of the table, provided Feyenoord falter against Zorya Luhansk. Either way, it is a must-win game for the Red Devils.
Team news
Manchester United
United are having a number of players back from injury. With their big match against Chelsea over the weekend, Mourinho might look to rest key players against Fenerbahce. Luke Shaw might start after a safe match against Liverpool, coming on as a substitute against their arch-rivals on Monday. Henrikh Mkhitaryan has also come back to fitness, which gives more options up front to Mourinho, especially at the wings.
Unfortunately, both Anthony Martial and Morgan Schneiderlin have reportedly suffered minor setbacks in the training on Saturday. Mourinho might not want to risk them in the midweek with a big game coming up.
Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce have almost the full squad at their disposal with some inspiring news that their star striker Robin Van Persie might return to the squad. He has recovered from injury and is good to go.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United – Sergio Romero; Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo; Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini; Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard; Wayne Rooney.
Fenerbahce – Volkan Demirel; Gregory van der Wiel, Martin Skrtel, Simon Kjaer, Hasan Ali Kaldirim; Ozan Tufan, Mehmet Topal, Jeremain Lens, Emmanuel Emenike, Moussa Sow, Robin van Persie
Key Players
Manchester United
Despite everyone having low expectations from him, Wayne Rooney might be one of the key players for United considering his superb record against the Turkish team. Apart from that, United are yet to gain anything from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, whose pace on and off the ball has been admired by many. Mourinho expects him to deliver this time.
Fenerbahce
Definitely, Robin Van Persie. Who else could you think is more suitable to deliver against Mourinho’s congested defending tactics? Fenerbahce have been unbeaten in their last five league games although they are struggling to find the net. They are currently at the 9th place with just two wins in 7 games.
Dick Advocaat was unhappy with his side on Sunday when they were held to a draw by 10-man Alanyaspor and he would expect to change things this time around.
Odds
Manchester United @ 1.50
Draw 4.50
Fenerbahce @ 7.50
