Syed Shaiban
Istanbul is the venue where the stage is set for Manchester United to face off Fenerbahce, seeking to hold a foothold in the group and marching ahead in terms of points. United are amidst some pressure and crisis now but another good win might soon put that some distance away. United, having played 3 games, remains at the second spot in the group with 6 points, level on points with Feyenoord and 2 points ahead of Fenerbahce. A tough draw against Burnley in the English Premier League is still fresh on everyone’s minds and Jose will know that a win at Turkey will be the first priority at any rate to put an end to the bleeding and put United in a strong position to qualify from the group. Just a win in Istanbul will take them 5 points clear with a home game against Feyenoord to come and away game against Zorya.
Team News :-
Phil Jones, who’s yet to make an appearance for Manchester United has been named in the 21 man traveling squad and another huge boost for the red devils will be the inclusion of Anthony Martial, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Fosu-Mensah. On the other hand, Chris Smalling, Michael Carrick, Memphis Depay, Valencia and Bastian Schweinsteiger will remain in Manchester. The mentioned German is unavailable for the group stages of the Europa league.
United squad named for Fenerbahce clash :- David De Gea, Sergio Romero, Sam Johnstone, Blind, Jones, Darmian, Fosu Mensah, Rojo, Shaw, Fellaini, Herrera, Mkhitaryan, Lingard, Mata, Pogba, Young, Rooney, Ibrahimovic, Rashford, Martial,Schneiderlin.
Predicted starting eleven :-
GK : David De Gea
In a match where United will be looking to win, David De Gea might once again start in goal. United can’t afford to rotate key players in a crucial game like this.
RB : Timothy Fosu Mensah
Antonio Valencia’s injury means more chances for Darmian and Fosu-Mensah but Jose has to regulate some players to ensure fitness remains and Fosu Mensah might be given a chance to start. The lad looks strong and solid.
CB : Daley Blind
Has performed well after that error-stricken game against Chelsea. Two clean sheets United have kept in a matter of 10 days.
CB : Marcos Rojo
Bailly’s injury has come as a boon for Marcos Rojo and he looks like a completely rejuvenated player under Jose. Looks to be doing well so far with Blind as a partner.
LB : Luke Shaw
Had a good game against Burnley but he seems to have been trusted with time. Luke Shaw will surely look to impress the manager.
CM : Ander Herrera
Had one of the worst games of the season against Burnley and got sent off undeservingly. Herrera will look to prove a lot against Fenerbahce and he is likely to start.
CM : Paul Pogba
Has created the most number of chances and is an engine in the midfield. Pogba’s become an integral part of Jose’s team and he’ll start again.
CAM : Juan Mata
Brought back to play centrally, Juan Mata has excelled and he creates play gorgeously at times. He will get the nod again.
LW : Anthony Martial
Martial might be trusted to start in Istanbul and the Frenchman hasn’t had a good start. He will look to impress the manager and the manager will expect the same.
RW : Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Training with the first team, there’s always an expectancy that the Armenian will feature and he might, just might start finally in the Europa League. He surely has to perform well if he gets the nod.
ST : Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Looks to be low on confidence and missed some crucial chances but with a player of his calibre, it’s just a matter of time. Zlatan will get the nod again but he has stiff competition from Marcus Rashford or from the club captain Wayne Rooney.
