When Manchester United take on Fenerbahce on October 24, 2024, in a Europa League match, their relative European fortunes may well depend on the outcome. The tie, scheduled to go down at Istanbul’s Åžükrü SaracoÄŸlu Stadium, is highly expected between Manchester United and Fenerbahce. Man Utd seeking to overturn a flattering season, and Fenerbahce, looking to build on solid form under the recently appointed former manager of Manchester United, José Mourinho, which made the Manchester United vs Fenerbahce prediction a tough one.
Manchester United vs Fenerbahce Preview
The coming clash between Fenerbahce and Manchester United is about more than just a group-stage match since much is at stake regarding qualification in the Europa League. Neither of the two teams would feel the pressure in that respect. So far, none of the two has had a chance to consolidate supremacy in this group, with United struggling in Europe this season and Fenerbahce being consistent in their performance.
Manchester United go into this encounter on the back of a 2-1 comeback win against Brentford in the Premier League, but their form in Europe has been worrying. They managed to fight back and record a dramatic 3-3 draw against Porto, though they have not recorded a win in this season’s Europa League, having drawn against FC Twente and Porto. United have gathered only two points from two games, which makes this clash crucial as far as the outcome of their campaign is concerned.
While Fenerbahce started their Europa League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Royale Union, they have since shown some ups and downs. A 2-2 draw against Samsunspor in the Turkish Super Lig may have somewhat overlooked it, but Mourinho’s side are a formidable force nonetheless, having lost only once at home since March. The Istanbul fortress is not going to be easy for any visitor, Manchester United included.
Fenerbahce vs Man United: Current Standings and Form
Fenerbahce is well-placed in the Europa League standings compared to Manchester United, thanks to more points garnered from the opening matches. But both teams know this is an important match for them as far as their ambitions in Europe this season are concerned. Domestically, United has been inconsistent lately, earning just one victory in six matches across all competitions. While currently lagging behind in the Turkish Super Lig, Fenerbahce has been resilient under the managership of Mourinho and has been difficult to overcome whenever they host a team.
Head-to-Head History: Man United vs Fenerbahce
Both clubs have historically faced each other six times, with three wins apiece. Their last meeting in November 2016 ended with Fenerbahce coming out on top as they won 2-1, a result that will remain in the memory of United fans and players alike. That head-to-head tilt of the two makes this already high-stakes matchup even more interesting.
Predicted Manchester United vs Fenerbahce Lineup
Manchester United Predicted Lineup:
– Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs De Light, Lisandro Martinez, Diego Dalot
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, Manuel Ugarte
Forwards: Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho
Predicted Fenerbahce Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Dominik Livakovic
Defenders: Caglar Soyuncu, Osayi-Samuel, Alexander Djiku, Jayden Oosterwolde
Midfielders: Fred, Sofyan Amrabat, Ismail Yüksek
Forwards: Edin Dzeko, Dusan Tadic, Allan Saint-Maximin
Injury Concerns
There are, however, a number of key injury concerns for each team entering the tie. United are sweating on the fitness of midfielder Casemiro, who came off with a knock in their defeat at Brentford. Mason Mount is a doubt after picking up a head injury, and Manuel Ugarte’s availability is also uncertain. United also continue to be without Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Tyrell Malacia as they struggle with long-term injuries, hampering their options at the back.
Fenerbahce has fewer injury concerns but Cengiz Under is a doubt as he is yet to train fully, while Ismail Yuksek and Bright Osayi-Samuel might be fit and should provide welcome options to Mourinho both in midfield and in defense.
Tactical Battle: Mourinho vs Ten Hag
This means that, against a team that is likely to have much possession, such as Manchester United, the onus might be on creating a solid defensive block with which to unsettle United’s attacking players. In a 4-2-3-1, the backline would be sitting deep in Fenerbahce’s half, with two banks of four or five players positioned to deny space for Manchester United’s creative attackers.
The likely briefing is that his team will be aggressive in defending the wide areas. The fullbacks can be given the duties to press United’s wingers high up and block the cross, not allowing players like Garnacho and Rashford to have any space to cut inside. He could field Fred and Sofyan Amrabat in midfield, and both players are quite familiar with Manchester United’s game.
Erik ten Hag is likely to approach the Fenerbahce clash with a high-pressing, possession-based game plan. Manchester United will focus on controlling the midfield, using Bruno Fernandes as the creative hub, supported by Manuel Ugarte and Christian Eriksen.
Ten Hag’s side will look to stretch Fenerbahce’s defence with quick transition and interchanging fullbacks, while Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford will be the ones who are expected to break down Mourinho’s well-settled defense. Defensively, United needs to stay compact in order to send away dangerous counters from Fenerbahce, particularly via Edin Džeko and Allan Saint-Maximin. Ten Hag may opt for a 4-3-3 formation, with an emphasis on maintaining pressure and creating chances from wide areas.
Managerial Approaches
José Mourinho will most probably play conservatively, making sure his team is tight at the back while looking to catch their opponents on the break. His experience in knockout football will come into play here as he looks to exploit Manchester United’s inconsistency on the road.
Where Erik ten Hag will be under pressure knowing that another setback may costly for their European campaign. United will, therefore, seek to start rapid by forcing their attacking game from the start but should be wary of dangerous Fenerbahce.
Deciding Factors of Man Utd vs Fenerbahce
A few things could decide this match:
- Set-pieces: Fenerbahce sides have their obvious aerial threats, and set-piece situations would be a vital factor.
- Midfield Control: Whoever controls midfield will most likely dominate the tempo of the game. United need to boss the ball, while Fenerbahce will be content to hit on the break. Another crucial factor will be United’s ability to deal with Fenerbahce’s counter-attacking threat, particularly defending the Allan Saint-Maximin and Edin Dzeko down the wing.
- Home Advantage: Whereas Fenerbahce’s good home record could create psychological advantages, and United’s inconsistent away form is also worrying.
Manchester United vs Fenerbahce Prediction
Despite their struggles in Europe and away from home, Manchester United has the qualities to edge this encounter, but the home advantage of Fenerbahce would make the game equal. Man Utd side will be desperate for a win to build momentum in the europa league. Fenerbahce will prove difficult to break down, but United’s attacking firepower could give them the edge.
Manchester United vs Fenerbahce Prediction: Man Utd 2-2 Fenerbahce
