Erik ten Hag will be forced into changing his Manchester United lineup when they face Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
The Red Devils will be targeting their first Europa League win of the season when they face Fenerbahce in Turkey on Thursday evening.
Manchester United have been warned that Jose Mourinho will want “revenge” when they are reunited to face the former manager.
United’s European campaign has been underwhelming so far with Erik ten Hag‘s side down in 21st in the Europa League table after back-to-back draws with FC Twente and Porto.
Thursday’s clash is a huge opportunity for United to get their European journey back on track while relieving more pressure around Ten Hag’s future.
Bruno Fernandes suspended for Fenerbahce clash
United picked up a much-needed three points after their 2-1 comeback victory against Brentford, but Ten Hag will have to mix things up against Fenerbahce.
That is because club captain Bruno Fernandes is suspended vs Fenerbahce after being sent off in the chaotic 3-3 draw against Porto.
It was Bruno Fernandes‘ second red card in the space of a week after he was also sent off against Tottenham just days prior.
Fernandes has started every game for United this season apart from the 7-0 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup when he appeared as a second-half substitute.
Ten Hag started Christian Eriksen in an advanced position against Barnsley with Casemiro and summer signing Manuel Ugarte completing the midfield trio.
They might be recalled for Thursday’s clash as Ten Hag hatches a plan that does not include the Portuguese playmaker.
Bruno Fernandes is a Europa League specialist
Fernandes has struggled so far this season and is still yet to score for United despite making 12 appearances across all competitions.
Fernandes has made five assists this season, including a superb flick to Rasmus Hojlund for the winner against Brentford, but ultimately he has dropped below his typically brilliant standard at Old Trafford.
One competition where Fernandes has thrived in his career is the Europa League where the Portugal international boasts an incredible record across his time with Sporting Lisbon and United.
He has scored a total of 20 goals and made 18 assists across 46 Europa League appearances.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2024/25 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022/23 | 11 | 1 | 4 |
| 2020/21 | 9 | 5 | 4 |
| 2019/20 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
Fernandes has scored nine and assisted nine goals across four different Europa League campaigns with United, including this season.
It is down to Ten Hag to be flexible and figure out a way to win on Thursday without him.
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