Fenerbahce v Man Utd – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Fenerbahce host Manchester United on Thursday in the Europa League. José Mourinho will face his former club, with four points from two matches in this competition, while the Red Devils have drawn both of their fixtures. Fenerbahçe previously won 2-1 against Manchester United in 2016 when Mourinho was in charge.

Fenerbahce Form

Mourinho’s side has had a mixed season so far. They lost to Lille over two legs in the Champions League playoff, and they are currently fourth in the Super Lig, eight points behind Galatasaray with a game in hand. After three consecutive league wins, they lost 3-1 at home to the league leaders.

A 2-1 home win over Royal Union Saint-Gilloise followed in the Europa League, along with a 2-0 victory at Antalyaspor. Their last Europa League match ended in a 1-1 draw away at FC Twente. On Sunday, they conceded an 88th-minute equalizer to draw 2-2 at Samsunspor.

Fenerbahce Team News

Mourinho has a strong squad at his disposal. Edin Džeko is set to lead the line over Youssef En-Nesyri and Cenk Tosun. Allan Saint-Maximin is expected to be recalled to the starting XI after scoring from the bench in the last match.

Çağlar Söyüncü is another player likely to be recalled to the defense. Fred will face his former club and is expected to start alongside Sofyan Amrabat, who was on loan at Manchester United last season. Bright Osayi-Samuel is available after serving a suspension for a red card against RUSG.

Fenerbahce Motivation

The Turkish club will be highly motivated for this match, as will coach José Mourinho. Players like Fred and Amrabat will have a point to prove.

They will play to win. If leading, expect the side to drop into a low block and cede possession to the Red Devils, even at home.

Man Utd Form

United beat Brentford 2-1 on Saturday, with 23 shots on goal. That win ended a five-match winless streak. It’s been a difficult season, with early EPL losses to Brighton (2-1) and at home to Liverpool (3-0). They began their Europa League campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente.

A dreadful 3-0 home loss to Tottenham saw United allow 4.59 expected goals (xG) and nine ‘big chances.’ They went to Porto and needed a late goal to salvage a 3-3 draw. After a battling 0-0 draw at Aston Villa, they looked more like themselves in their victory over Brentford.

Man Utd Team News

Manchester United are expected to field a strong lineup. Bruno Fernandes is suspended, and Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, and Harry Maguire are all set to miss out.

Noussair Mazraoui is available despite undergoing a heart procedure during the FIFA break. Manuel Ugarte is also available after recovering from a knock-on international duty. Erik ten Hag must decide whether to start Jonny Evans in defense again and who will replace Fernandes in the No. 10 role.

Man Utd Motivation

United need a win after drawing their first two Europa League matches. A loss would put additional pressure on their upcoming fixtures to ensure they qualify for the next round.

Ten Hag’s side is likely to have plenty of possession, but the question is whether they are defensively equipped to handle counterattacks.

Key Stats

Fenerbahçe have won 5 of their last 8 matches (2 draws).

Fenerbahçe’s Dušan Tadić has scored 6 goals in his last 7 matches.

Fenerbahçe have won their last 2 home matches vs Manchester United (3-0 and 2-1).

Manchester United have failed to score in 4 of their last 8 matches (all competitions).

Manchester United have won just once in their last 6 matches (D-D-L-D-D-W).

Manchester United have conceded 6 goals in their last 2 away Europa League matches.

Verdict

This should be a thrilling match. The hosts will be highly motivated and may have enough to beat the Red Devils in Istanbul.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 goals at 1.95.
Value Bet: Fenerbahçe win at 2.95.
Goalscorer Tip: Dušan Tadić to score anytime at 2.90.