Manchester United’s Europa League journey takes a dramatic turn on Thursday as they face Fenerbahce at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. It’s not just another match for Erik ten Hag’s side, but an encounter rife with familiar faces and storylines that could threaten the Dutchman’s already fragile tenure at Old Trafford. Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, along with ex-United midfielders Fred and Sofyan Amrabat, will all play pivotal roles in what promises to be an intense and emotionally charged fixture.
Fenerbahce’s Familiar Faces: Mourinho, Fred, and Amrabat
The Europa League fixture against Fenerbahce throws up some eerie parallels for Ten Hag, as he prepares to face ‘ghosts’ from Manchester United’s recent past. Mourinho, who is now at the helm of Fenerbahce, had a controversial but somewhat successful tenure at United, where he won the Europa League, EFL Cup, and Community Shield. Despite his achievements, his stint ended in disappointment and dismissal, with the atmosphere at Old Trafford souring under his leadership.
Erik ten Hag, whose Manchester United side is facing increasing scrutiny after a slow start to the season, now faces a situation eerily similar to Mourinho’s in 2018. United have struggled in Europe this season, drawing against FC Twente and Porto despite taking early leads. These games highlighted their inability to hold onto a commanding position—something that has left United fans and pundits questioning Ten Hag’s tactical approach.
But it’s not just Mourinho who represents the past. Fred and Sofyan Amrabat, two players who once donned the Manchester United shirt, now find themselves pivotal to Fenerbahce’s plans. Both players were brought to Old Trafford with high expectations, only to be let go in subsequent seasons. Fred, in particular, was a fan favorite despite his inconsistencies, and he left the club after making 213 appearances and winning the League Cup. Meanwhile, Amrabat’s brief loan spell at United didn’t quite meet expectations, as the Moroccan struggled to find his role in a cluttered midfield.
Dusan Tadic: Ten Hag’s ‘Ghost of the Past’
While Mourinho, Fred, and Amrabat represent more recent chapters in Manchester United’s history, Dusan Tadic serves as a poignant reminder of Ten Hag’s most successful period in management. Tadic was one of the key figures in Ten Hag’s celebrated Ajax side that reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2018/19. Under Ten Hag’s guidance, Tadic evolved from a mid-table Premier League player at Southampton to one of Europe’s elite forwards. His performances in that campaign, where he scored six goals and provided five assists, helped Ajax dream of continental glory.
Now, Tadic plies his trade at Fenerbahce, where his form has continued to shine. In 14 games this season, the Serbian has scored six goals and set up seven more. His presence on the field will serve as a painful reminder to Ten Hag of what could have been at Manchester United, as his current squad has often lacked the cohesion and spark that Tadic once provided at Ajax.
Ten Hag once praised Tadic as the “most professional player” he had worked with, and it was the Serbian’s versatility and leadership that made him indispensable to that Ajax side. Facing his former player, Ten Hag will be acutely aware of how different his current United project has been compared to his time in Amsterdam.
Fred and Amrabat: The ‘Ghosts’ of United’s Midfield Past
Both Fred and Amrabat were seen as solutions to Manchester United’s midfield issues during their respective times at the club, but neither truly lived up to the expectations placed on them.
Fred was signed by Mourinho for a hefty £52 million fee, with the Brazilian midfielder expected to bring energy and drive to United’s midfield. Although he had some memorable moments, including scoring in a Europa League play-off win over Barcelona last season, Fred’s spell at Old Trafford was marked by inconsistency. After making 56 appearances in Ten Hag’s first season in charge, Fred moved to Fenerbahce, where he has found a new lease on life. This season, he’s already made headlines by scoring his first career hat-trick in a 5-0 victory over Rizespor.
Sofyan Amrabat, on the other hand, joined Manchester United on loan from Fiorentina as a potential replacement for Fred. Amrabat had previously worked with Ten Hag at Utrecht, and there were high hopes that he could offer the defensive stability and physical presence United needed. However, his time at Old Trafford was short-lived and underwhelming. Now at Fenerbahce, the Moroccan international is eager to prove that he still has what it takes to perform at the highest level.
RELATED ARTICLES:
- Ten Hag Ready for High-Stakes Europa League Showdown with Mourinho: A Tactical Duel Set to Define the Season
- Jose Mourinho Faces Pressure at Fenerbahce Ahead of Manchester United Europa League Showdown
Mourinho’s Legacy: A Warning for Ten Hag
Perhaps the biggest ‘ghost’ in this match will be that of Jose Mourinho himself. The Portuguese tactician, now managing Fenerbahce, was once seen as the man to return Manchester United to its former glory. His second-place finish in the Premier League in 2018 is still regarded by Mourinho as one of his greatest achievements, especially given the circumstances surrounding his final months at the club.
Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side may not be leading the Turkish Super Lig—currently sitting eight points behind Galatasaray—but he will undoubtedly relish the opportunity to increase the pressure on his successor at Manchester United. Mourinho is a master of mind games, and with familiar faces like Fred, Amrabat, and Tadic at his disposal, he will be looking to add another chapter to his complex relationship with the Manchester club.
Mourinho once famously quipped that his time at Manchester United wasn’t given the same patience or trust as others, referring to his sacking in 2018. As Ten Hag grapples with an injury-hit squad and struggles to find consistency, the Fenerbahce clash could offer Mourinho a chance to highlight what he still believes was unfair treatment at Old Trafford.
A Pivotal Night for Ten Hag and Manchester United
As Manchester United prepare to face Fenerbahce, the ‘ghosts’ of the past, present, and future loom large over Erik ten Hag. Mourinho, Fred, Amrabat, and Tadic all represent different facets of United’s recent history, and each will play a role in what could be a defining night for Ten Hag’s reign.
Should Manchester United falter again in Europe, the pressure will only continue to mount on Ten Hag. A victory, on the other hand, could provide a much-needed boost as the club looks to stabilize a rocky season. For Ten Hag, this fixture isn’t just about three points—it’s about navigating the shadows of his past and securing his future at Old Trafford.
