There has been a semblance of stability in Erik ten Hag’s ranks after his Manchester United side succumbed in embarrassing fashion at home to Tottenham at the end of September.
The Red Devils have managed two draws and a win since that 3-0 defeat, and the Dutch manager has bought more time thanks to his recent resurgence.
Thursday’s bout is another big one for Ten Hag, who he faces Jose Mourinho for the first time. Mourinho left United in 2018 and will be desperate for a victory over his former employers while increasing his already lofty standing in Istanbul.
This is the team Ten Hag could pick to face Fenerbahce in the third round of the Europa League on Thursday night.
GK: Andre Onana – United’s goalkeeper is having a pretty good season, although he is struggling to keep clean sheets. Onana conceded three in his previous one Europa League exit
RB: Noussair Mazraoui – The winger’s heart condition is not too serious and he was able to come off the bench at the weekend. Mazraoui has been a mainstay in the Ten Hag XI since joining the club and should be back in the team on Thursday.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt – De Ligt’s superb Terry Butcher impersonation caused problems for United at the weekend as they conceded while he was receiving treatment for a nasty gash to the head. The Dutchman is concussion-free afterwards so is available for the trip to Fenerbahce.
CB: Lisandro Martínez – Stability is essential at the heart of the defence, with De Ligt likely to accompany Martínez again. The pair struggled to deal with Samu Omorodion in their last Europa League outing and will need to mitigate the threat of wily fox Edin Dzeko in Istanbul.
LB: Diogo Dalot – Ten Hag has versatility as a winger, both Mazraoui and Dalot are experts on either side. The Portuguese international has not enjoyed the best of starts to the new season, but he is a player that the coach values and plays a key tactical role.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – Still to convince in United colors, but they are the early doors for Ugarte. Ten Hag hasn’t featured recently, but midfield unavailabilities see him back in the XI for this game.
CM: Casemiro – If Casemiro could just produce what he did against Brentford even 75% of the time this season, United could be fine.
RM: Marcus Rashford – There was no touchline hugging for Rashford at the weekend, with Ten Hag wanting the England striker, who is now aiming to impress Thomas Tuchel, to drift and make an impact from more central positions.
AM: Christian Eriksen – An argument could be made for Eriksen to be United’s standout performer this season. We’re all rooting for the maestro’s resurgence, and he’ll be the creator-in-chief on Thursday with Bruno Fernandes suspended.
LM: Alexandre Garnacho – The Argentine live wire has been a man United have turned to as a source of inspiration, and his energy is critical down the left flank. He goes into Thursday’s game having scored on the weekend.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund – Against Brentford, Hojlund produced his best performance in a United shirt since his debut season ended with the purple patch. The Danish striker scored the winner in a 2-1 victory, and should have the chance to build on the momentum from Saturday.
