Manchester United’s journey in the Europa League continues on Thursday night, where Erik ten Hag’s side will take on Turkish giants Fenerbahce in a vital Group A clash. This matchup brings additional intrigue as Ten Hag locks horns with José Mourinho for the first time, a manager who left a complicated legacy at Old Trafford. Both coaches have plenty at stake in this encounter, and a win could be essential for either team’s aspirations in Europe this season.
United’s season has been inconsistent, marked by defensive struggles and a frustrating lack of clean sheets, but their form has improved slightly following a disastrous 3-0 loss to Tottenham in late September. They have since managed to collect two draws and a win, giving Ten Hag some breathing room. Now, as the team heads into a tricky away fixture in Istanbul, the Dutch coach must make several key tactical and personnel decisions.
The absence of Bruno Fernandes, who is serving a suspension, creates a significant void in United’s creativity. This forces Ten Hag to make adjustments in midfield and attack. Meanwhile, the return of Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui provides defensive stability, although challenges remain in securing balance across the backline.
Here is a detailed prediction of the lineup Ten Hag could select for Manchester United’s clash against Fenerbahce, utilizing his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
Goalkeeper
GK: Andre Onana
Andre Onana is expected to keep his spot between the posts despite Manchester United’s defensive inconsistency. Although the Cameroonian goalkeeper has been solid in several individual performances, clean sheets have been rare, with mistakes from defenders often letting the opposition in. Onana conceded three goals in the previous Europa League outing but is still regarded as a dependable presence in goal. He will need to be at his sharpest against a dangerous Fenerbahce attack led by veteran striker Edin Džeko.
Defenders
RB: Noussair Mazraoui
Mazraoui is likely to return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench in United’s weekend game. Concerns about the defender’s heart condition have eased, allowing him to be available more frequently. The Moroccan full-back, who can operate on either flank, has already become an important part of Ten Hag’s tactical setup. His speed and ball-carrying ability will be crucial against Fenerbahce’s wingers, who excel in wide areas.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt was involved in an unfortunate incident in the last game, where he required treatment for a nasty head gash. However, the Dutch defender has been cleared to play, as there were no lingering concussion symptoms. De Ligt will need to organize the backline effectively, especially with the challenge of keeping Džeko under control. His ability to win aerial duels and intercept plays will be essential.
CB: Lisandro Martinez
Martinez, who partners De Ligt in central defense, will look to provide stability at the back. The Argentine defender has had an inconsistent season, and the center-back pairing of Martinez and De Ligt has occasionally struggled under pressure, as seen in their last Europa League match. However, their partnership offers the potential for improvement, and this will be a critical test of their chemistry and resilience.
LB: Diogo Dalot
Dalot is another full-back option Ten Hag has relied upon, though his performances this season have been hit-and-miss. The Portuguese international offers versatility, as he can play on both flanks, which provides Ten Hag with tactical flexibility. Dalot’s attacking runs down the left side will be important in providing width, especially with Alejandro Garnacho operating ahead of him. His defensive discipline will also be put to the test by Fenerbahce’s lively attackers.
Midfielders
CM: Manuel Ugarte
Ugarte is still finding his feet in United’s system, but he could get a rare start due to the absence of key midfielders. The Uruguayan midfielder is known for his energy and defensive work, which could be valuable in breaking up Fenerbahce’s transitions. Ugarte needs to improve his passing range to become a regular starter, and this game represents an opportunity for him to prove his worth.
CM: Casemiro
Casemiro remains a key figure for United, despite having an up-and-down campaign so far. He put in a strong performance against Brentford recently, showing glimpses of his old form. Ten Hag will be hoping the Brazilian midfielder can dictate the tempo of the game and provide solidity in front of the backline. Casemiro’s leadership and ability to win midfield duels will be critical, especially against a physical Fenerbahce side.
Attacking Midfielders
RM: Marcus Rashford
Rashford is expected to play in a more central role, starting on the right but drifting infield to link up with Rasmus Højlund. The England international hasn’t been at his best this season, and he will be keen to find some consistency in his performances. His pace and direct running could trouble Fenerbahce’s defense, especially if he gets the opportunity to run at defenders one-on-one.
AM: Christian Eriksen
With Bruno Fernandes suspended, Christian Eriksen will take on the creative mantle as the team’s playmaker. The Danish midfielder has arguably been one of United’s standout performers this season, rediscovering the form that made him so influential in his prime. Eriksen’s ability to unlock defenses with precise passes will be crucial, and his vision will be key in feeding the likes of Rashford, Garnacho, and Højlund in dangerous areas.
LM: Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho’s energy and flair make him a vital component of United’s attack. The young Argentine forward has become a reliable source of inspiration whenever the team has needed a spark, and his recent goal in the win over Brentford will give him confidence heading into this clash. Garnacho’s dribbling ability and willingness to take risks will be essential in breaking down Fenerbahce’s defense, especially on the counter-attack.
Striker
ST: Rasmus Højlund
Højlund delivered one of his best performances of the season against Brentford, scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 win. The Danish striker has struggled with consistency since an early-season purple patch, but he seems to be regaining his sharpness. Højlund’s movement off the ball and ability to hold up play will be vital against Fenerbahce, especially with Eriksen supplying him from midfield. United will be counting on him to build on his recent momentum and lead the line effectively in Istanbul.
Tactical Overview
Ten Hag will likely stick with his 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on controlling possession and pressing high up the pitch. The absence of Fernandes will be felt, but Eriksen’s presence in the attacking midfield role ensures that United still have a capable creator. Rashford’s movement into central areas will create space for Dalot and Garnacho on the flanks, while Casemiro and Ugarte will be tasked with shielding the backline and breaking up Fenerbahce’s counter-attacks.
Defensively, the partnership between Martinez and De Ligt must improve, as they will face an experienced and crafty striker in Edin Džeko. Mazraoui’s and Dalot’s overlapping runs from full-back positions will be key to stretching Fenerbahce’s defense, but they will also need to be wary of the home side’s pace on the counter.
Conclusion
This game offers a fascinating tactical battle between two contrasting managers. While Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side will aim to frustrate United with defensive discipline and quick counter-attacks, Ten Hag’s team will be determined to assert control and play on the front foot. A win for United would solidify their position in the Europa League group and provide a morale boost as they look to find consistency in an uneven campaign.
With key players returning to fitness and a renewed sense of momentum, Manchester United have a good chance of coming away with a positive result in Istanbul. However, they will need to remain focused for the full 90 minutes, as Mourinho’s teams are always capable of producing moments of brilliance.
