Jose Mourinho knows Fenerbahce will have a challenge on their hands keeping Manchester United’s frontline quiet during Thursday’s Europa League clash in Istanbul.
Especially if the front three which caused Brentford no end of problems last time out are picked to start again by Erik ten Hag. If it ain’t broke, as they say…
Rasmus Hojlund followed up his Porto strike with a sublime winner as Thomas Frank’s Old Trafford audition fell flat.
Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford combined beautifully for the goal which cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s opener, meanwhile, the latter channelling his inner-David Beckham as his inch-perfect cross was converted at the far post by United’s five-goal top-scorer.
Eyebrows were raised when it emerged that Rashford – rather than Garnacho, Amad Diallo or even Antony – would be starting on the right against Brentford.
But after producing one of his liveliest performances of the campaign, Ten Hag could be forgiven for sticking with an attack which finally showed signs of clicking during Manchester United’s first win in five.
Jose Mourinho wary of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho in Manchester United clash
Whoever starts on the right-hand side against Fenerbahce, Mourinho’s hopes of a famous win have not exactly been boosted by an injury which could keep his first-choice left-back Jayden Oosterwolde out of action until deep into 2025.
“I think Jayden Oosterwolde is done for the season,” Mourinho sighs, not missing the chance to aim a trademark barb in the direction of the nearby reporters during his pre-match press conference.
“If he comes back to play one or two games in early May, it would be a surprise. I will get advice from experts on TV for [who should start] at left-back!”
In addition to Oosterwolde, Fenerbahce are also without Levent Mercan and the versatile Filip Kostic. As such, the Turkish giants will have to go head-to-head with Garnacho, Rashford or perhaps Amad without their top three left-back options.
Ten Hag, shorn of the services of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, will share the Portuguese’s pain.
“Kostic, Levent and Jayden are not in the squad,” Mourinho adds. “Those experts have a solution for everything. If I get your advice, I will be protected!
“Maybe you can say [midfielder Sebastian] Szymanski. He is a left-footed and fast player. Maybe the expert advice will be like this.
“Then, we will see whether Rashford or Garnacho will play on the side he is on.”
Antony sets his sights on Europa League glory at Man United
With Man United needing a win after draws with Twente and Mourinho’s former employers FC Porto, it remains to be seen how much Ten Hag plans to shuffle his pack for the visit to Istanbul. Mourinho is backing Man United to put a poor run of form behind them, with that Brentford win potentially the start of a more positive spell.
The oft-maligned Ten Hag, meanwhile, has been careful to avoid overloading his key players in recent weeks. Amad and the seldom-seen Antony, in particular, will be hoping to get a chance to impress after a spell on the bench.
“It is really important,” Antony tells the Man United website when asked how highly the Europa League ranks in this season’s priorities. “We know our objectives for [the tournament] as well.
“We are very focused, not only on the Europa League but the other competitions as well. United is a huge club and must fight for all the competitions.
“I have been here for two years and have won two trophies. I want to go for more titles.”
Whether the Brazil international is still a Man United player by the time the Europa League gets serious, however, only time will tell.
Antony has been linked with a return to Eredivisie giants Ajax this month. TBR reports that Man United have told their £82 million benchwarmer that he is free to leave in the January window.
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