As Manchester United prepares to face Fenerbahce in their third Europa League fixture, the encounter promises more than just a typical group-stage battle. For Erik ten Hag, the journey to Istanbul comes with ghosts from United’s past, both on and off the pitch. Among them: former United manager José Mourinho, and two ex-players, Fred and Sofyan Amrabat, who could pose significant challenges to Ten Hag’s struggling side.
This season has been nothing short of turbulent for United in Europe, with their opening two matches ending in disappointing draws. The latest clash, against Porto, highlighted United’s frailties, as they squandered a two-goal lead to eventually draw 3-3, needing a late Harry Maguire header to salvage a point. Thursday’s matchup against Fenerbahce represents a crucial turning point for Ten Hag, whose tenure is under increasing scrutiny.
Jose Mourinho, now at the helm of Fenerbahce, looms large over this fixture. The self-proclaimed “Special One” is a figure familiar to Old Trafford, having managed the club between 2016 and 2018. During his time at United, Mourinho led them to a Europa League title, League Cup victory, and Community Shield triumph, but his third season spiraled, ultimately leading to his sacking. Mourinho has since declared his second-place finish in the Premier League with United in 2018 as one of his greatest achievements, a feat not bettered by any United manager since.
When asked about the upcoming clash, Ten Hag praised Mourinho, describing him as “an example for many, many managers” and lauding his winning mentality. However, the specter of Mourinho may haunt Ten Hag in more ways than one. Mourinho’s presence in the Fenerbahce dugout serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of managing Manchester United — a club where expectations are sky-high, and managerial tenures often hang by a thread.
With Fenerbahce sitting eight points behind Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig, Mourinho will be equally hungry for a win. For Ten Hag, a loss could inch him closer to the same fate Mourinho suffered at Old Trafford.
Both Fred and Sofyan Amrabat bring with them echoes of Manchester United’s more recent history. Fred, who joined Fenerbahce after five seasons at Old Trafford, was signed by Mourinho in 2018 for £52 million. The Brazilian’s time at United was marked by inconsistency, but he remained a fan favorite for his tireless work ethic. In his final season under Ten Hag, Fred made 56 appearances, including a crucial role in United’s League Cup win.
Now revitalized at Fenerbahce, Fred has been in excellent form, recently netting a hat-trick in a 5-0 victory over Rizespor. His partnership with Amrabat, another former United player, has been key in midfield, and the duo could be pivotal in unsettling their former club.
Amrabat, on loan at Fenerbahce from Fiorentina, had a brief but impactful spell at United, notably starting in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. His time in Manchester was marred by inconsistent performances and the inability to secure a regular starting role, but the Moroccan midfielder will no doubt relish the opportunity to show Ten Hag what he’s missing.
Adding to the narrative are the other familiar faces in Fenerbahce’s ranks. Dusan Tadic, a player transformed by Ten Hag at Ajax into one of Europe’s elite forwards, now plies his trade at Fenerbahce. Under Ten Hag’s guidance, Tadic became a key figure in Ajax’s remarkable Champions League run in 2018/19, scoring six goals and providing five assists en route to the semi-finals. Tadic has continued his fine form in Turkey, with six goals and seven assists in 14 games this season.
Then there’s Edin Dzeko, who has a notorious history against United. The Bosnian striker has scored nine goals in 11 games against the Red Devils, spanning three different clubs, countries, and decades. He famously scored twice in Manchester City’s 6-1 demolition of United at Old Trafford in 2011, and he will be eager to continue his torment of United’s defense.
Other notable threats include Allan Saint-Maximin, formerly of Newcastle, and Youssef En-Nesyri, whose two goals knocked United out of the Europa League quarter-finals in 2023 when he played for Sevilla.
As Ten Hag steps into the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, he will face not just his opponents, but the weight of his predecessors and the mounting pressure on his tenure. The ghosts of United’s past—Mourinho’s eventual downfall, Fred’s underappreciated efforts, and the fleeting potential of Amrabat—will all be present in Istanbul. For Ten Hag, a victory could offer a reprieve and a fresh start in the Europa League. But a loss could see the shadows of the past grow darker, as questions about his future at Old Trafford intensify.
