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Erik Ten Hag has revealed he “wants to go” to Manchester United’s crucial Europa League clash against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side next week.
speaking Haters TVThe Netherlands manager was asked about the possibility of facing the former and incumbent hot seater at Old Trafford in Istanbul this Thursday.
Erik ten Hagwa against Jose Mourinho @Fenerbahce_EN This week:
“This is a big game for both of us… He’s a winner. He’s won a lot of trophies. I think he’s an example to a lot of coaches, so I really enjoy playing against them.”👏🏻
🔗https://t.co/eQZHJHAf1Q pic.twitter.com/eaqDcYkEv6
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) October 20, 2024
“This is a big match for both of us. I really enjoy it.[ing] To confront him,” Ten Hag responded.
“[Mourinho] We always have a good team. He is a winner. He has won numerous trophies. I think he is an example to many coaches. So I really enjoy playing against them.”
United have endured a disappointing start to the Europa League after consecutive draws against FC Twente and Porto.
It was somewhat unfortunate for the Red Devils to take a point against FC Twente at Old Trafford, but they were equally lucky to salvage a draw in the dying minutes against Porto at the Estádio do Dragão.
With two points from their opening two games, Ten Hag’s side sit 21st in the Europa League’s new format, four points behind leaders Lazio.
Teams that finish in the top eight in the league will advance directly to the round of 16. Players ranked 9th to 24th will compete in the first knockout stage, with the winner of this tie joining the top eight in the last 16. Teams below this cutoff are eliminated from the Europa League.
Even though it is currently very Early in the competition, United will qualify for the first knockout stage. But a club of the Red Devils’ stature will be hoping to safely get through to the last 16 without any trouble, although it has not been plain sailing at Old Trafford recently.
A dismal start to the new campaign has seen United record their worst start to a Premier League campaign in their history. Ten Hag has come under extreme pressure ahead of the October international break, but retains the club’s support for now.
Yesterday’s win over Brentford at Old Trafford saw a pair of goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hoslund give them a vital three points, completing the comeback after the Bees opened just before half-time.
The win gives the beleaguered Ten Hag some much-needed breathing space, but Mourinho will no doubt be salivating at the prospect of putting more pressure on his old side.
Fenerbahce fared slightly better than their opponents with a win and a draw in their opening two games. The team led by Coach Mourinho is in 13th place, with only a goal difference remaining from 6th place Ajax.
In the Süper Lig, Fenerbahce is fourth, eight points behind league leader Galatasaray. The Turkish giants have failed to sparkle under Mourinho since being appointed manager last June and fans would have been hoping for a stronger league campaign than he has produced so far.
Therefore, Thursday’s showdown at the Šikru Sarakoğlu Stadium marks an important match for both coaches as they will desperately try to strengthen their respective positions with a win.
Featured Image Michael Regan (Getty Images)
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