Erik ten Hag has a chance to flip the narrative when Manchester United take on former Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho later this week.
A week is a long time in football, and Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could have a big smile at the end of this one.
When the Europa League draw was made, one fixture really stood out. Manchester United’s away trip to Fenerbahce.
The tie pits current United boss Erik ten Hag up against Jose Mourinho, who managed the club between 2016 and 2018.
How Fenerbahce are faring in 2024/25
Erik ten Hag began the month under pressure after a woeful defeat to Tottenham. Since then the team have rallied, and won 2-1 at the weekend at home to Brentford.
United are only one game away from a crisis, and defeat to Mourinho’s Fenerbahce would be a backwards step.
Yet the narrative has shifted slightly. It is Jose Mourinho who is feeling the heat after a low-key start in Turkey.
Last season Fenerbahce earned 99 points, agonisingly finishing second, with Galatasaray winning the title with 102.
Fenerbahce won 33 games, lost only once, and drew six. It was a very impressive season and not the kind of campaign which usually precedes a managerial change.
This season Jose Mourinho has not been able to match the same pace.
After eight games, Fenerbahce have already lost once, and find themselves down in fourth position. They are already eight points back from leaders Galatsasray.
At the weekend they gave up a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Samsunspor. It was not the ideal preparation for the big Europa League match, from a Fenerbahce perspective.
In the Europa League they are a little better off than United, with four points so far, beating Union Saint-Gilloise, yet drawing with FC Twente.
Jose Mourinho under early pressure
Amid high expectations for Fenerbahce after their strong 2023/24, there is some discontent in the Turkish media with the team dropping off the pace in the Turkish Super Lig title race already.
Former player Nihat Kahveci told Milliyet he questions why Mourinho has not been able to improve the team, after questioning his selection decisions.
He said: “I am speaking for your own good.. May God give patience to Fenerbahçe fans in the last 10 years. Mourinho came, but he still has no playing power. What else will happen, will Guardiola come?”
Turkish journalist Akin Goksu even wrote: “After this result, it is now clear that Fenerbahçe and Mourinho must part ways.”
He believes time is ticking against Mourinho, asking if he is experiencing burnout at the top level of coaching.
Mourinho’s reaction to the dropped points at the weekend were a predictable stance, taking aim at referees.
Looking ahead to this week, a victory for Manchester United over Fenerbahce will flip the script which had been building towards the game, that Mourinho could pile the pressure on Erik ten Hag’s job.
Ten Hag could end up playing a part in Mourinho’s spell in Turkey unravelling quickly.
Or it could end up with a draw, a result which allows both managers to escape the tie with some dignity.
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