Fenerbahce vs Manchester United: Stats, predictions as Jose Mourinho faces ex-club
Fenerbahce prepares to host Manchester United while coach Jose Mourinho aims to outmaneuver Ten Hag in a high-stakes Europa League showdown in Istanbul, Türkiye, October 23, 2024. (Created with Canva)
Fenerbahce will host Manchester United on Oct. 24, 2024, at Ulker Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul.
The highly anticipated Fenerbahce vs Manchester United Europa League clash not only carries significant weight for both teams’ group stage standings but also adds intrigue with Jose Mourinho facing his former club.
Recent form: Fenerbahce’s solid performances in Europa League
- Unbeaten streak in Europe: Fenerbahce remains unbeaten in the Europa League, securing four points from their first two matches:
- Inconsistent domestic form: While their European campaign remains strong, Fenerbahce’s domestic form has been shaky:
- 2-2 draw against Samsunspor in the Turkish Super Lig, where they conceded a late equalizer.
- A 3-1 loss to rivals Galatasaray on Sept. 21, showed vulnerabilities at the back.
| Opponent | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Union Saint-Gilloise | Europa League | 2-1 Win |
| FC Twente | Europa League | 1-1 Draw |
| Samsunspor | Super Lig | 2-2 Draw |
| Galatasaray | Super Lig | 3-1 Loss |
Recent form: Manchester United seeks consistency under pressure
- Struggles in Europe: Manchester United has yet to win in the Europa League this season:
- 1-1 draw at home against FC Twente in the opener, where defensive lapses cost them a victory.
- A thrilling 3-3 draw away at Porto, salvaged by a late Harry Maguire goal.
- Domestic revival?: United managed to break a five-match winless streak in the Premier League with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win against Brentford:
- Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund led the charge with second-half goals, giving Erik ten Hag a much-needed win.
Manchester United’s recent form:
| Opponent | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| FC Twente | Europa League | 1-1 Draw |
| FC Porto | Europa League | 3-3 Draw |
| Brentford | Premier League | 2-1 Win |
| Aston Villa | Premier League | 0-0 Draw |
Erik ten Hag praised Mourinho ahead of the encounter, calling him a “winner” and expressing his respect: “I enjoy facing him. He knows how to win and has proven it time and time again.”
Key players to watch in Fenerbahce vs Manchester United match
- Fenerbahce: Allan Saint-Maximin’s creativity and pace will be crucial in unlocking Manchester United’s defense. Veteran striker Edin Dzeko, with his poaching instincts, could take advantage of United’s defensive issues.
- Manchester United: Rasmus Hojlund, fresh off his goal against Brentford, and Marcus Rashford, who remains a constant threat on the wing, will be central to United’s attack.
Key stats, previous encounters of Fenerbahce vs Manchester United
- Head-to-head record: The teams have met six times before, with three wins each, making this a highly even contest historically.
- “Welcome to Hell” in Istanbul: Manchester United’s challenging visits to Turkish stadiums have often been marked by intimidating atmospheres, from Galatasaray’s notorious “Welcome to Hell” greeting in 1993 to hostile receptions at Fenerbahce and Istanbul Basaksehir.
- Fenerbahce’s home advantage: Fenerbahce has won the last two home matches against Manchester United in European competition:
- In 2016, they claimed a 2-1 win in Istanbul, with goals from Moussa Sow and Jeremain Lens.
- In 2004, Fenerbahce dominated with a 3-0 victory.
- United’s only win in Türkiye: Manchester United’s only victory on Turkish soil came in 1996, with a 2-0 triumph in the Champions League, thanks to goals from David Beckham and Eric Cantona.
Head-to-head encounters:
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Nov. 3, 2016 | Fenerbahce 2-1 Man Utd |
| Oct. 20, 2016 | Man Utd 4-1 Fenerbahce |
| Dec. 8, 2004 | Fenerbahce 3-0 Man Utd |
| Sept. 28, 2004 | Man Utd 6-2 Fenerbahce |
| Oct. 30, 1996 | Fenerbahce 1-0 Man Utd |
| Oct. 16, 1996 | Man Utd 2-0 Fenerbahce |
- Recent defensive issues: Manchester United has conceded three goals in each of their last four European away games, yet they haven’t won any of those matches. Fenerbahce, meanwhile, has seen both teams score in four of their last five games, signaling a likely high-scoring affair.
Manager’s comments: Ten Hag vs Mourinho
Ahead of the match, Erik ten Hag avoided fueling any rivalry but acknowledged Mourinho’s achievements: “He’s a winner and has been successful wherever he goes.” Ten Hag’s Manchester United needs a win, not just for their Europa League campaign but also to alleviate the pressure building around his future.
Mourinho, on the other hand, remains focused on securing all three points. “Our job is to win every match,” he stated, confident in his team’s ability to perform on home soil.
Predictions for Fenerbahce vs Manchester United match
Given both teams’ recent defensive lapses, a high-scoring game seems likely. Both squads have shown attacking firepower, but their defensive struggles could lead to a draw, with a predicted scoreline of 2-2.
Key historical stats related to Fenerbahce vs Manchester United match
- Fenerbahce has won their last two home matches against Manchester United in European competition.
- Manchester United has scored three goals in each of their last four European away games but has failed to win any of them.
- Fenerbahce’s last five matches have seen both teams score, indicating an open, attacking game.
This Europa League clash promises drama, goals, and tactical battles, as Mourinho looks to outsmart his former club and Ten Hag seeks redemption.
