Manchester United will try to avoid a post-Halloween surprise when they visit Fenerbahce in the midweek for the UEFA Europa League campaign. After a disappointing goalless draw against Burnley at the weekend, United will look to replicate their performance against the Turkish outfit from the earlier leg.
They had a thumping 4-1 win in the reverse fixture last month, which makes the upcoming fixture like an easy win. United are currently second in the group, level on points with leaders Feyenoord. Both the teams will approach the game with a different mindset. While United are struggling to win at the moment, Fenerbahce have gone unbeaten in their last eight of their last nine matches in all competitions.
A quick flashback will remind United that they had gone down for a humiliating 3-0 defeat on their last trip to Fenerbahce. It was a Champions League tie.
Team News
Manchester United
United will be missing the services of Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly, James Wilson and Phil Jones for the trip to Turkey, which means Mourinho will have to brainstorm and makeshift his back line. Although with Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo returning, Mourinho has found a relief in the left back position.
Fenerbahce
On the injury and suspension front, Fenerbahce have a fully strong first team ready to face United.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1) – De Gea; Fosu-Mensah, Blind, Rojo, Shaw; Carrick, Pogba; Depay, Mata, Lingard; Rooney
Fenerbahce (4-2-3-1) – Demirel; Wiel, Kjaer, Skrtel, Kaldirim; Topal, Souza; Potuk, Van Persie, Sen; Emenike
Key players
Manchester United- Nothing is clicking for the Red Devils at the moment and it is quite difficult to pick an impact player. But considering Wayne Rooney’s record against the Turkish giants, he should be the standout player when United visit Istanbul.
Juan Mata has proved to be a very effective player in the attacking midfield and has gelled well with Wayne Rooney upfront. Mourinho will hope the duo click against Fenerbahce. United have some skilled players in Memphis Depay, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial, who could bring them back to winning ways.
Fenerbahce- Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is expected to play the most crucial role in the game against United. The Dutchman scored the only goal in the 4-1 defeat at Old Trafford on October 20th and has since got back his scoring boots. He was also on target last weekend with a brace against Karabukspor, where Fenerbahce ran out 5-0 winners.
Odds
Fenerbahce @ 3.40
Draw @ 3.40
Manchester United @ 2.30
