Erik ten Hag and his men will soon be travelling to Istanbul to lock horns with Fenerbahce in tomorrow’s third Europa League group-stage game.
Still seeking their first win in Europe, Manchester United know what’s at stake when they line up against the fourth-placed Super Lig outfit – and it isn’t just the three points.
The Reds will come face-to-face with ex-manager Jose Mourinho, who will be desperate to get one over on his former club after his tenure ended so sourly when he was relieved of his duties in late 2018. As for Ten Hag, he knows that anything less than a win could see him dealt the same fate, with him believed to be on the brink of getting the axe after a dismal start to the campaign on all fronts.
He’s been dealt one additional injury blow to navigate ahead of the trip; Jonny Evans was missing from training this morning and is now a doubt to feature in the clash.
United players coming out to train at Carrington ahead of trip to Fenerbahce. No Jonny Evans, who is a doubt to travel. Bruno Fernandes given a couple of days off training, suspended for the game anyway #mufc pic.twitter.com/crQRcXOTqv
— Tyrone Marshall (@TyMarshall_MEN) October 23, 2024
Evans expected to miss Fenerbahce tie
Evans has made six appearances in all competitions this term, more recently making two consecutive starts against Aston Villa and Brentford. The 36-year-old has, perhaps unsurprisingly, struggled with numerous fitness setbacks since his surprise return to Old Trafford last summer.
That’s not to say he hasn’t proven to be an invaluable addition, though. In fact, he was named Player of the Match after the stalemate at Villa Park on October 6, during which he won 100 per cent of his aerial duels, 100 per cent tackles and eight of his nine attempted regular duels. Evans also registered four tackles, three clearances and one block – ensuring he could leave the pitch with his head held high after a cagey 90 minutes.
As such, it’s no surprise that ex-Everton man Leon Osman hailed the Northern Irishman for having a ‘calming influence’ on the players around him. It’s now up to Ten Hag to determine how he navigates the absence ahead of Thursday’s 8pm kick-off.
