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Erik ten Hag has revealed he “can’t wait to play” against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side in a crucial Europa League match for Manchester United next week.
Speaking to Hayters TV, the Dutch manager was asked about the prospect of facing the former incumbent of the Old Trafford hotseat this Thursday in Istanbul.
Erik ten Hag on facing Jose Mourinho and @Fenerbahce_EN this week:
“It’s a big game for both of us… he is a winner, he’s won so many trophies, I think he’s an example for many, many managers so I really enjoy to play against them”👏🏻
🔗https://t.co/eQZHJHAf1Q pic.twitter.com/eaqDcYkEv6
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) October 20, 2024
“It’s a big game for both of us, I really enjoy fac[ing] him, to play against him,” Ten Hag responded.
“[Mourinho] always has good teams. He is a winner, he’s won so many trophies. I think he is an example for many, many managers, so I really enjoy to play against them.”
United have endured a disappointing start to life in the Europa League following back-to-back draws against FC Twente and Porto.
While the Red Devils were somewhat unfortunate to only come away with a point against FC Twente at Old Trafford, they were equally lucky to salvage a draw in the dying moments against Porto at the Estádio do Dragão.
Two points from the opening two games leaves Ten Hag’s side stranded in 21st place in the new format of the Europa League, four points off leaders Lazio.
The teams who finish in the top eight of the league progress directly to the round of sixteen. Those between 9th and 24th will compete in the first knockout phase, with the winners from these ties then joining the top eight in the last sixteen. The teams below this cut-off are eliminated from the Europa League.
At present, despite it being very early within the competition’s progression, United will qualify for the first knockout phase. But a club with the stature of the Red Devils will be expecting safe passage through to the last sixteen without any trouble, though it has been anything but plain sailing at Old Trafford in recent times.
A dismal opening to the new campaign saw United produce their worst start to a Premier League campaign in history. Ten Hag was under intense pressure heading into October’s international break but, for now, retains the club’s support.
A victory over Brentford at Old Trafford yesterday produced a crucial three points with two brilliant goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund completing a comeback after the Bees had opening proceedings just before half-time.
The win gave some much-needed breathing room to the beleaguered Ten Hag, though Mourinho will undoubtedly be salivating at the prospect of inflicting more pressure on his old side.
Fenerbahce are fared slightly better than their opponents with a win and a draw from their opening two games. Mourinho’s side are 13th with only goal difference separating them from 6th-placed Ajax.
In the Süper Lig, Fenerbahce are 4th, eight points behind league leaders Galatasaray. The Turkish giant have not dazzled under Mourinho since his appointment as manager in June and fans will likely have been expecting a stronger league campaign than has been produced thus far.
Therefore, Thursday’s showdown at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium represents a key match for both managers, who will be desperate to strengthen their respective positions with a win.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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