Manchester United predicted XI vs Fenerbahce: Ugarte & Casemiro offer protection in midfield

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·23 de octubre de 2024

Manchester United predicted XI vs Fenerbahce: Ugarte & Casemiro offer protection in midfield

Manchester United do not have much room for error in the Europa League after drawing their first two matches in the competition. Fenerbahce are a side that missed out on Champions League qualification in the play-offs. Underestimating them would be a mistake.

Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho warned as much in his press conference this afternoon. The former United boss said the Reds have no reason to fear their opponents.

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Mourinho also believes United – along with Tottenham – are favourites to win the Europa League.

Thursday’s game is another big one for Ten Hag, who has faced lots of criticism in his third season as manager. The only way to change the mood at Old Trafford is by winning football matches and the lads achieved that on Saturday against Brentford, after forcing a 2-1 comeback.

Manchester United predicted line-up

Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Onana conceded three goals against FC Porto in United’s previous Europa League encounter. He’ll be aiming to help United win by keeping a clean sheet against Fenerbahce. The back four in front of the Cameroonian keeper will consist of Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez and Dalot. The injury to Jonny Evans comes as a blow, but it would have been best to rest him either way.

Manuel Ugarte has yet to convince everybody why United spent so much money on him in the summer. It was be the safest, best to start the Uruguyan alongside Casemiro in midfield for extra protection. The Brazilian can push further forward to help Christian Eriksen, who we think will step into Bruno Fernandes’ role since the captain is suspended.

It’s a good opportunity to give Amad Diallo another chance from the start. The Ivorian has been impressive but needs to improve if he wants to start regularly ahead of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.

Joshua Zirkzee may get the nod up front. I suspect Ten Hag will try to manage games between the Dutch striker and Rasmus Hojlund. The Dane could come on in the latter stages or be kept for West Ham this weekend.

Manchester United predicted XI: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Casemiro, Eriksen; Amad Diallo, Joshua Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford.