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Eric Bailly offered to Turkish club Fenerbahce this summer with player seemingly unwanted

11 August 2020 by

Manchester United central defender Eric Bailly has reportedly been offered to a number of clubs so far this summer with the latest being Turkish side Fenerbahce, who have had dealing with United in the past five years with Robin van Persie and Nani both signing for the club when they left the Old Trafford club. Just last week, Bailly was offered to AC Milan with the Italian club rejecting the opportunity to sign the Ivorian defender this summer.

The Sun has reported that United have now offered the 26-year-olf to Fenerbahce which makes it look like, despite starting against LASK and FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Europa League, his future at the club is going to be cut short. Whilst that does not seem fair, it has to be considered that the player’s injury record does not look all that great but Phil Jones should be out of the door before him. That said, Bailly’s contract will expire in the summer of 2022 with Jones’ contract expiring a year later.

This season, Bailly has made just 11 first team appearances, making one more in the Premier League 2 playing as one of the three overage outfield players in accordance with the rules at that level, playing jus 780 minutes of football in total this season. United have at least one more match to play this season, against Sevilla in the semi-final of the UEFA Europa League, which could lead to a further and final match of the season if the club reaches the final, which could be against either Inter Milan or Shakhtar Donetsk.

Since signing for United from Villarreal for £30 million during the summer of 2016, under the management of Jose Mourinho, Bailly has suffered four long-term injuries at the club; his first a knee injury seeing him miss eight matches during his debut season at the club. His second injury, a bruise, saw him miss five matches during the 2017/18 season, then suffering an ankle injury that same season, missing 21 matches. The player required knee surgery last summer, missing 28 matches for United, recovering over the Christmas period.

That injury record could stop United trusting the player moving forward. If Jones’ nine years at the club has shown anything, a player that suffers injury after injury is going to be a liability. Jones, who should be forced out of the club before Bailly, is out of action currently after playing just eight times this season. The former England defender has suffered 19 separate injuries in his time at United which has led to him missing 121 matches for the club – this is not ideal at all.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be itching to get his summer rebuild sorted with the aim of getting his squad ready for the new season, which is more than 30 days away – although those English teams still participating in European competition; United and Manchester City, will be granted a later start to the new Premier League season, giving their players a sufficient break before heading into another long season – hopefully not as long as this one, which still has another week and a few days to play.

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Transfer Rumours Tagged With: , , , , ,

Juan Mata linked to Fenerbahce this summer could continue youth conveyor belt at Manchester United

6 July 2020 by

Manchester United attacking midfielder Juan Mata has reportedly opened the door to an Old Trafford exit this summer with links to Turkish club Fenerbahce, the club that both Robin van Persie and Nani left the Theatre of Dreams for in recent years. Mata has been forced out of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans by the arrival of Bruno Fernandes.

Mata has been a great player for the club since his arrival, which was the most positive aspect of David Moyes’ reign as manager of the club, apart from his sacking, of course. Since signing for United from Chelsea in January 2014, over six years ago, Mata has played 252 times, scoring 48 goals and 42 assists, which has been a big help.

This season, Mata has made just 34 appearances for United, starting 20 times with 12 of those being in cup competitions. He has scored three goals and assisted five more, which is not bad considering his lack of playing time. If this was going to be his last season at the club, he will be a big loss for the squad and the dressing room but United will move on.

Turkish outlet Sansursuz Futbol have suggested that the 32-year-old is eager to leave United this summer for the Super Lig with Fenerbahce the club interested in acquiring him. They would need to purchase the player as he signed a new contract which would keep him at United until the summer of 2021, also having the option of another year to be added.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that he will exploit the transfer market this summer, giving the indication at along with additions, there will be departures. This is a good thing as every team will need to grow. Mata’s departure could be good for the talented youth at the club. Angel Gomes could have taken advantage, had he not left.

However, with players such as Hannibal Mejbri, James Garner, and Dylan Levitt all seeking to fight for a place in the first team, Solskjaer could see a conveyor belt of talent heading his way from the youth ranks, which will strengthen United as they gain experience. Mata would leave a hole in the squad but holes can be filled.

Filed Under: First Team, Managers Tagged With: , , , , ,

Fenerbahce seeking to sign Manchester United defender on loan before the ​transfer window deadline

14 August 2019 by

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo is reportedly in talks with Turkish club Fenerbahce for a loan spell with the club. The 29-year-old is a player that United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to offload after his move to Everton broke down on deadline day. Turkish newspaper, Posta has reported the news, via Sport Witness.

The Turkish club signed Huddersfield Town defender Mathias Zanka last week with the club looking for another central defender. It was suggested that Fenerbahce was interested in signing Roma defender Aleksandar Kolarov as he could play as both a left-back and a central defender but the Italian club did not want to let him leave, hence the interest in Rojo.

Rojo still has two-years remaining on his contract, plus the option of a further year and instead of him having next to no playing time this season, the club would rather get him off the wage bill, on loan, at least until the next transfer window, whether it be in January or next summer, where Solskjaer will be seeking to sell the Argentinian once again.

The transfer window in Turkey does not close until the 2 September 2019, giving around three weeks before the closure of the window to get something sorted. Obviously, Rojo will want to be playing football regularly, which is something he may not get at United, even playing as an overage player in the U23 squad.

With the arrival of Harry Maguire this summer, Rojo’s minutes on the pitch will have been decreased considerably, even with the fact that Eric Bailly is out of action until Christmas because of a knee injury. Axel Tuanzebe will have also taken minutes off Rojo with his performances in pre-season and the fact Solskjaer wanted him to stay this summer.

It basically suggests that Rojo has, in effect, no future at the club. United have many central defenders at the club this season with Victor Lindelof, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling also, giving Solskjaer many players to choose from. Of course, Maguire and Lindelof were partners against Chelsea with Tuanzebe on the bench.

Even at left-back, which is a position Rojo has played many times, he does not seem to fit in as Luke Shaw seems to be the first choice in the position with Ashley Young and Diogo Dalot both able to play in that position and both seemingly ahead of Rojo in the pecking order. Solskjaer will probably see younger players ahead of Rojo in the pecking order.

Last season, Rojo made just six appearances for United; three under Jose Mourinho, starting twice and that under Solskjaer, starting once. He played a total of 256 minutes out of a possible 540 minutes. It was clear that he was a player who had lost his stature at the club. He did miss 20 matches through injury last season though.

Solskjaer obviously does not see a player like Rojo in his plans in which he wants to bring in younger players, preferably British players, to return the club to the glory days of old. It is very refreshing to see although getting rid of these players will be the tough option with them on good contracts with a high rate of pay each week.

Filed Under: First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Transfer Rumours Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Report: Manchester United beaten in Istanbul leaves them with Europa League hill to climb

3 November 2016 by

Manchester United were beaten 2-1 in Istanbul in a match where Moussa Sow scored a spectacular overhead kick inside the first two minutes of the match and Jeremain Lens also scoring a stunning goal to attain all three points from the match. Wayne Rooney, despite missing a decent chance on goal in the early stages of the match scored s stunner himself in the 89th minute of the match.

United manager Jose Mourinho made a few changes to his starting XI against Fenerbahce with Morgan Schneiderlin, Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial all returning to the starting lineup. Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who had been absent since the Manchester derby defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford on the 10th September, returned to the squad, taking a place on the bench, which will have stopped some moaning from the supporters. United did not start their match well, conceding an early goal, a spectacular overhead kick from Moussa Sow just two minutes into the match, which gave United a much bigger job to do. The atmosphere inside the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium was fantastic, something United may have to deal with in order to get something from the match.

United had some good build up play coming up to the ninth minute with Morgan Schneiderlin starting the play, some passing between Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, with the latter having a shot on goal, wich was off target. United have a lot of work to do after that early goal, but they were trying to get the better of the home side. The night could have been so much worse for United after Schneiderlin took a Jeremain Lens out with his trailing leg, just outside the box, earning himself a yellow card. United immediately went on the attack, which came to nothing other than United winning a corner, which added some pressure for the home side, but nothing that would level the score for United. Ander Herrera became the second United player to be booked in the 18th minute of the match, it’s surely not going to end up like the Burnley match, is it?

United just seemed to be a side that were a shadow of themselves, especially since the opening goal just two minutes into the match. The talent was there, it just was not attainable by the players on the pitch for whatever reason. United had a good chance to level the score in the 21st minute of the match as Martial threaded the ball into the box, towards Rooney, whose touch was poor, sending it over the crossbar. Just another reason why Rooney is no longer the top player in this side. Fenerbahce then attacked, putting United under a lot of pressure, but failing to get themselves another goal. Paul Pogba was unable to continue after 28 minutes of the match, suffering from a dead leg and trying to run it off, being unable to. United brought Zlatan Ibrahimovic on for the Frenchman, who will now lead the line, with Rooney playing in Pogba’s number ten role.

United now needed to keep their heads, get themselves back into the match and try and ensure all three points head back to Manchester with them. United had some good periods in the first half, but failing to take any control in the match. Tempers seemed to boil in the dying embers of the match after Rooney fouled Sousa and Volkan Demirel saw himself booked for a skirmish. United still out of sorts and the arrival of Ibrahimovic after Pogba’s injury has not changed anything. Sow nearly scored for the home side in stoppage time at the end of the first half, United clinging onto their position in the match so far. The first half ended with United needing to take their chances in the second half.

At the start of the second half, Mourinho made another change with Juan Mata replacing Morgan Schneiderlin. United, despite trying to find something from the game and being out of sorts in achieving it. Just before the hour, Jeremain Lens scored another stunning effort doubling the home sides lead. Immediately, Mourinho made his third change of the match bringing on Henrikh Mkhitaryan for Marcus Rashford. United were the livelier of the two sides with the Armenian attempting to get something for his side, gaining possession and trying to work his magic. Fenerbahce seemed dangerous on the counter attack, which seems to threaten United all the more, leaving them back tracking. United continued to try and find something, with that coming in the 89th minute with Rooney scoring his 247th Manchester United goal. Despite the late resurgence from United, it was not enough and now they will need results from their last two matches in order to qualify for the knockout stages in the UEFA Europa League.

Goals: Wayne Rooney 89′

Manchester United: De Gea; Darmian, Blind, Rojo, Shaw; Schneiderlin (Mata 46′), Herrera; Pogba (Ibrahimovic 30′); Rashford (Mkhitaryan 60′), Rooney, Martial

Substitutes Not Used: Romero; Jones; Young, Fellaini

Bookings: Morgan Schneiderlin 12′, Ander Herrera 18′, Juan Mata 73′

Filed Under: First Team, Managers, Match Reports, Opinion Tagged With: , , , , ,

CONFIRMED: Darmian, Schneiderlin, Pogba & Martial start against Fenerbahce; Mkhitaryan on the bench!

3 November 2016 by

Manchester United face Fenerbahçe in the UEFA Europa League at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul a fortnight after beating the Turkish side 4-1 at Old Trafford. United need to take all three points to given them a good chance of making the knockout stages of the tournament, with two matches remaining, meaning that a victory over Feyenoord at Old Trafford on the 24th November should all but put them through in Europe’s secondary competition. This could be United’s best chance of UEFA Champions League football next season with United currently in eighth place in the Premier League, just eight points from the top spot with ten matches played. United do need to change their form as they have not won in the league since the 4-2 humiliation of reigning champions Leicester City at the end of September. United played well in their last match, a 0-0 draw against Burnley at Old Trafford, despite having 37 shots on goal and playing some good football, Tom Heaton, the wood work and a lack of luck left United feeling frustrated. Beating Robin van Persie’s Turkish side will put United in good stead ahead of the trip to Swansea City on Sunday.

Manchester United:

De Gea;

Darmian, Blind, Rojo, Shaw;

Schneiderlin, Herrera;

Rashford, Pogba, Martial;

 Rooney

Substitutes:

Romero; Jones; Mata, Young, Mkhitaryan, Fellaini; Ibrahimovic

Filed Under: First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Starting XI Tagged With: , , , , ,

Press Conference: Schweinsteiger in training to boost numbers, not to return to the fold

2 November 2016 by

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho along with Matteo Darmian briefed the media ahead of the UEFA Europa League group stage clash with Fenerbahçe in Istanbul on Thursday evening. A fortnight ago, United beat the Turkish side 4-1 at Old Trafford in a match which saw two penalties; scored by Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial, a second stunning goal for Pogba followed by a Jesse Lingard effort in the comfortable victory. Fenerbahçe managed to find a consolation goal, scored by former United striker Robin van Persie, which is something the home supporters celebrated with cheers of ‘Oh Robin van Persie’, with the Dutchman thankful for his former clubs support, a club he still calls home, which is funny as he spent much longer at Arsenal. Mourinho had already named a 21-man squad which travelled to the former Turkish capital earlier on Wednesday morning. Here are the main points from the press conference.

Matteo Darmian on Manchester United’s opposition on Thursday – Fenerbahçe and how they were there to win:

“We expect a very difficult game. We know it will be difficult because Fenerbahce is a good team with good players, so tomorrow we want to fight [for the win]. We are here to win – that’s it.”

Darmian now has a clear run of matches to gain the trust of his manager, but had sympathy for Antonio Valencia and his injury:

“Of course, I work a lot in the first part of the season and have to be ready when the manager gives me an opportunity. I feel sorry for Antonio for his injury. We wait on his recovery and I hope he can come back as soon as possible.”

Jose Mourinho was asked about his FA charge and the spat with Mark Clattenburg which saw him sent ot the stands on Saturday:

 “No reaction.”

Mourinho on his Manchester United side bouncing back from their defeat to Feyenoord earlier in the season:

“If we lose in Feyenoord and in the next two matches we don’t have points, we would be in big trouble and we would be playing tomorrow, our last chance. By having six points out of six from our home matches, we have put ourselves in a positive position.”

Mourinho on Phil Jones who has returned to the squad after a lengthy injury:

“I almost don’t remember when Phil Jones had a good run of matches for United. He’s having a difficult relationship with the injuries. But he worked hard to recover – he’s training with the team for more than a week now. We are in a difficult situation because we lost three defenders in a week.”

Mourinho on Fenerbahçe’s defeat to Manchester United a fortnight ago and their current form:

“I don’t think Fenerbahce had a bad game. For more than half an hour, they were solid and the game was not easy for us. The fact that Fenerbahce has back to back victories is not a surprise. They have very good players and very experienced managers like Dick Advocaat. He plays players with experience of the highest level, the experience of international competitions.”

Mourinho on the UEFA Europa League:

“The Europa League winner has a direct spot in Champions League so for last couple of years Europa League has a different meaning for the big clubs. I won’t change my mind, the big clubs belong to the Champions League and the Champions League history belongs to the big clubs. Because of the direct spot in the Champions League, the Europa League is a big target for us.”

Mourinho on Manchester United challenge this season:

“What I’m happy with is the performances. Sometimes, you win matches but you feel that period cannot last forever because the team is not playing so well. Other times we don’t have good results but we feel that the way the team plays the good results have to arrive sooner or later. I have a very good feeling towards the players. After the bad result against Chelsea, the team reacted in an unbelievable way.”

Mourinho on Matteo Darmian filling the void for Antonio Valencia:

“He played really well in the last match against Burnley. He’s ready to play tomorrow and to give continuity of the good work our right backs are doing in both competitions. We trust him totally.”

Mourinho on Antonio Valencia and how long he feels he will be out of action:

“[Antonio] Valencia is a bad injury, he’s got a serious fracture in his arm, he’ll be out for a while. The good thing is, when Valencia was playing really well we were preparing Darmian who was having minutes to develop himself.”

Mourinho on Bastian Schweinsteiger returning to training at the start of the week:

“Schweinsteiger is back. We made that decision last Thursday. We phoned him last Friday so he could join the team last Monday. It was a decision based on fact that we are in a period of the season where it’s really difficult with everybody together.

“The problem of tactical work that I like to do with 21 players max, to have 23/24 at a time doesn’t happen. Looking at Bastian and the way he was working professionally every day with the fitness coach, we think it’s a professional decision to bring him back to the team.

“We will be much better prepared, much better conditions, in case his future decision is to leave the club. In this moment we have no problems in midfield like we do in defence. If we do have problems in midfield, he’s one option for us. It’s a decision that can be positive for the group.”

Mourinho on management offers he received and that he’s happy to be at Manchester United:

“I got an invitation to leave Porto and coach a Turkish club back in 2002/03. It didn’t happen. Since then, 13/14 years of football it never happened again. Now I’m where I want to be – so happy to be.

“In the minimum, I want to stay until the end of my contract. After that, who knows? I’m a football man, very young so. I love passion for the game and in Turkey there is huge passion for the game so why not?”

Manchester United need to start finding some form for their busy November where they face Fenerbahçe, Swansea City, Arsenal, Feyenoord and West Ham United twice. United have been playing well, be chances played into the opposition area have just not fallen for United. 37 shots on goal against Burnley with Tom Heaton making many saves, the woodwork saving Burnley too was just one of those days. Creativity is not a problem for United this season, it is all there. It is the finishing. Zlatan Ibrahimovic seems to have lost some form, and perhaps that will change once he has been given a rest and found his feet again. All strikers go through the same problems, but when it is a Manchester United player, the negativity seems to be much stronger, especially from the moronic few who ‘apparently’ support the club, yet tweet abuse at the players in a pathetic manner.

Bastian Schweinsteiger returned to first team training, but as Mourinho clarified, his position outside of the team still will not change. He has been brought into the first team training system to up the numbers and make things easier. It will help him gain some fitness in a team scenario, and should he decide to leave the club in January, or next summer, he will be ready to leave and will have done his bit with the first team. Mourinho clarified that the midfield situation at the club is fine, United have Michael Carrick, Morgan Schneiderlin, Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, not to mention Timothy Fosu-Mensah who came on as a midfielder against Fenerbahçe a fortnight ago at Old Trafford. That said, Schweinsteiger returning to the field in a Manchester United shirt again will depend on many injuries being suffered at the same time. That won’t appease many fans as the reported U-Turn is not one as such, more of an ‘upping the numbers in training’ reason for him to be brought back in, and rightly so.

Filed Under: First Team, Managers, Managers Press Conference, News, Opinion Tagged With: , , , , ,

Preview: Manchester United to find momentum to propel them through November?

2 November 2016 by

Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey

UEFA Europa League 2016/17

Saturday 29th October 2016 – KO 15:00

Referee: Milorad Mažić (SRB)

Assistant Referees: Milovan Ristić (SRB) and Dalibor Djurdjević (SRB)

Additional Assistant Referees: Danilo Grujić (SRB) and Nenad Djokić (SRB)

Fourth Official: Nemanja Petrović (SRB)

Manchester United travel to Istanbul to face Fenerbahçe for the second time in a fortnight in the group stages of the UEFA Europa League. United beat the Turkish side 4-1 at Old Trafford a fortnight ago with Paul Pogba scoring a brace, including one from the penalty spot, Anthony Martial also scored from the spot and Jesse Lingard completed the scoring. Robin van Persie, given a rapturous welcome to his former club, also found the back of the net, with a loud celebration from the home support. United had won their second match in the secondary European competition this season, which saw them rise to second in the group, level on points with Feyenoord, the only team to beat them in this competition this season. A victory over Fenerbahçe again will boost the Old Trafford side, who face Feyenoord at Old Trafford on the 24th November. If Feyenoord fail to win against Zorya Luhansk this evening, and United win in Istanbul, they will top the group, meaning the group will be winnable against the Dutch side at the end of the month. Then, United will be able to give the younger players a run out in the final match away to Zorya Luhansk in the Ukraine in early December, meaning they will be through to the knockout stages whatever the result, should Jose Mourinho want to do this, of course.

In the Premier League, Manchester United have not won a match for over a month, beating Leicester City 4-1 at Old Trafford in late September, however, they have only been beaten once, a 4-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. United have drawn 1-1 with Stoke City, 0-0 with Liverpool and 0-0 with Burnley this weekend. The only other victory, other than the 4-1 victory over Fenerbahçe was a 1-0 win over local rivals Manchester City in the EFL Cup, which sees United go head to head with West Ham United later this month at Old Trafford, three days after playing the club in the Premier League at home. November is a tough month for United, but based on the way they played against Burnley, the matches are winnable. United travel to Swansea on Sunday to face Bob Bradley’s fallen side, who were defeated by Stoke City 3-1 on Monday evening, meaning they are in a bad place currently, which should see United take advantage of the side who in recent years have been a problem for United, beating them two out of three times at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

United have a chance to put themselves into some good form with their upcoming matches, providing they maintain momentum take their challenge to the other team, not putting a foot wrong in the matches, keeping their heads and attacking, which seems to be the best form of defence. Arsenal could well be a problem with them being in good form, but as last night showed, their defence is still a problem as Ludogorets managed to score twice in the opening 15 minutes of the match. Arsenal did find some inspiration though, winning the match 3-2, but it just shows they are a long way from that ‘invincbles’ side they were over a decade ago. Jose Mourinho has a few problems with injuries right now, especially with Eric Bailly, who suffered a serious knee injury against Chelsea. Marcos Rojo though has fit in well with the side, playing much better as a central defender, who will probably partner Daley Blind against the Turkish side. Phil Jones is back from his latest injury, which may not mean much, but there is still some depth in the defence, even with Chris Smalling missing out yet again.

Manchester United Form:- DWLWD

Burnley 0-0 D, Manchester City 1-0 W, Chelsea 4-0 L, Fenerbahçe 4-1 W, Liverpool 0-0 D

Manchester United are still having a mixed season. Criticism still seems to be rife wherever you look, but some just cannot see the improvements Jose Mourinho has made to Manchester United this season. The draw against Burley will show you how well United have been playing. 37 shots on goal, which just shows how creative United have been recently. That sort of thing was not seen under Louis van Gaal last season, in fact, I think United had more shots in one match than they did, on average at least, for half of the first ten matches in the league last season. Patience is needed. Many supporters don’t seem to have that, moaning at the slightest thing. It seems that sacking the manager is a popular moan after a draw or a defeat, yet when United win, you see nothing of the sort. Fickle much?

Fenerbahçe Form:- WWLDD

Kardemir Karabükspor 5-0 W, Konyaspor 1-0 W, Manchester United 4-1 L, Alanyaspor 1-1 D, Osmanlıspor 1-1 D

Since being beaten 4-1 by Manchester United a fortnight ago, Fenerbahçe have turned around their form in their native Turkey. On their visit to the Theatre of Dreams, Dick Advocaat’s side were ninth in the league, but by winning their last two matches, scoring six goals in total, Fenerbahçe have risen to fifth in the league, now eight points behind league leaders İstanbul Başakşehir. Robin van Persie only had one goal this season before arriving at his former club, scoring in the dying minutes to the applause of the Old Trafford faithful. He recently scored twice, once from the spot in the 5-0 victory over Kardemir Karabükspor. This match may be difficult for United, who managed to beat the Turkish side without really getting out of their first gear.

Manchester United Top Scorers:

6 – Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 4 – Marcus Rashford, 3 – Juan Mata, Paul Pogba, 2 – Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial, 1 – Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera, Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling

Fenerbahçe Top Scorers:

7 – Emmanuel Emenike, 4 – Robin van Persie, 3 – Miroslav Stoch, 2 – Aatif Chahechouhe, Josef de Souza, Ozan Tufan, Simon Kjær, 1 – Fernandão, İsmail Köybaşı, Jeremain Lens, Alper Potuk, Mehmet Topal, Martin Škrtel, Moussa Sow

Manchester United Squad;

Manager: Jose Mourinho

Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Sergio Romero, Sam Johnstone

Defenders: Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Antonio Valencia, Matteo Darmian, Axel Tuanzebe

Midfielders: Paul Pogba, Memphis Depay, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Michael Carrick, Ashley Young, Ander Herrera, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marouane Fellaini, Morgan Schneiderlin

Forwards: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford

Injuries and Suspensions: Eric Bailly (knee), Chris Smalling (knock)

Fenerbahçe Squad:

Manager: Dick Advocaat

Goalkeepers: Volkan Demirel, Ertuğrul Taşkıran, Fabiano

Defenders: Hasan Ali Kaldırım, Simon Kjær, Şener Özbayraklı, Savaş Polat, İsmail Köybaşı, Gregory van der Wiel, Roman Neustädter, Martin Škrtel

Midfielders: Mehmet Topal, Souza, Alper Potuk, Ozan Tufan, Volkan Şen, Ramazan Civelek, Muhammed Karakoç, Ahmethan Köse, Salih Uçan, Jeremain Lens, Miroslav Stoch

Forwards: Robin van Persie, Moussa Sow, Emmanuel Emenike, Caner Koca

Injuries and Suspensions: N/A

Predicted Starting XI:

At this moment in time, Manchester United need to find that winning formula to get the results they need. Zlatan Ibrahimovic seems to be out of form currently, possible in need of a rest, so with that in mind, letting Marcus Rashford lead the line might be the better with the 19-year-old not fitting in when playing on the wing, but it is a position he wanted to play in to become that top striker, which is what he aims to be. Henrikh Mkhitaryan could well get some minutes on the pitch away from the pressure of the Premier League, which would benefit him more than dropping him in at the deep end against Swansea City on Sunday. Anthony Martial would suit the left-wing in my opinion, with Juan Mata playing his favoured number ten role, something he has been doing well recently, even playing a wider role. He is the most consistent creative player this season, and should be rewarded for that. A midfield pairing of Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera could be good, for the first hour at least, with Morgan Schneiderlin coming on later in the match to do a job, after United have got the goals they need to win the match. In defence, Matteo Darmian, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw should do the job, with David De Gea retaining his place in the starting XI once again.

Predicted Score:

Fenerbahçe 1-3 Manchester United

Filed Under: First Team, Managers, Match Previews, Opinion Tagged With: , , , , ,

Report: Paul Pogba starred in Robin van Persie’s homecoming

21 October 2016 by

Manchester United were looking to prove doubters wrong after a tactical performance against Liverpool, against the returning Robin van Persie as Fenerbahce visited Old Trafford. United battered the Turkish-side 4-1 with goals from Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard and a consolation goal from Van Persie. United fielded a strong side with David De Gea, Pogba, Martial and Wayne Rooney all starting.

Manchester United clearly started off the better team pressing highly against a defensive Fenerbahce side. With Carrick sitting deep United seemed much more assured going forward as Pogba and Mata could join the attack every time. The first real opportunity came after 15 minutes when Juan Mata picked up the ball from the right-hand side whipped a ball towards the back post, flying in to get his head on it was Martial  but unfortunately for them he couldn’t quite time his jump well and the chance was gone. United did dominate possession and soon enough they scored but it came through a very direct method after 31 minutes. Carrick sitting inside his own half then pinged a 60 yard ball with great precision finding Juan Mata who controlled well but was fouled from behind, up stepped Paul Pogba and his penalty beat the keeper to his right.

Just 2 minutes later and United were awarded another penalty. Juan Mata slid through a delightful low volley into Martial’s feet who was clipped from behind giving the referee no choice but to give a penalty. This time Martial stepped up and scored in exactly the same corner Pogba managed earlier. It got better for United and Pogba just before half time, a great break started with Wayne Rooney who stole the ball with a strong interception, he then fed Lingard who turned away from goal and laid it off to Pogba who curled his shot into the top corner past Demirel. United go into the half 3-0 up!

During half time United made a change by replacing Chris Smalling with Marcos Rojo. United started the second half off the same way they finished the first half, by scoring! Pogba picked up the ball just inside the Fenerbahce half, a clever pass feeds Rooney who first time lays it off to Jesse Lingard who shoots low from 20 yards out into the back of the Fenerbahce net. 10 minutes into the second half and the visiting side managed to get a grip of the game and pull together a 5 minute spell of possession including a free-kick from the right-hand side which was lofted in by Souza but headed clear by Michael Carrick. 5 minutes later the returning RVP hit a curving shot just wide of the far hand post after finding some great space on the edge of the box. This spell continued and after 62 minutes RVP whipped a free-kick into the box headed behind by Shaw but the pressure was mounting.

Manchester United made the second of their changes after 65 minutes when Jesse Lingard was replaced by Memphis Depay. Memphis had his first real chance on the ball, finding space about 25 yards out and hit a vicious shot just wide. Just moments before though he bombed down the left hand side after being fed by Mata but his ball squared across was weak and intercepted. After 75 minutes, Paul Pogba was replaced by Timothy Fosu-Mensah. 5 minutes later Mata was denied by Demirel after Memphis slipped a good pass through and his right-footed attempt was saved well.

In the 83rd minutes the United faithful got their wish, good work from Emmanuel Emenike on the left hand side beat Darmian and then fed a low cross into Robin van Persie on his return to Old Trafford, which lead to strong applause and chants from the United fans as well as those travelling. 4-1 to Manchester United going into the last 5 minutes. United appeared to be sitting back but a good counter attack lead to a corner being gained and from which, some very neat play arose. Memphis played it short to Mata, back to Memphis who’s flick found Mata again who set up Fosu-Mensah whose shot from the edge of the box was relatively easily saved.
United close out the last two minutes with ease and complete what was a fast paced, attacking display and most importantly 3 points more in the group.

Goals: Paul Pogba (pen) 31′, 45+1′, Anthony Martial (pen) 33′, Jesse Lingard 48′

Assists: Jesse Lingard 45+1′, Wayne Rooney 48′

Manchester United: De Gea, Darmian, Bailly, Smalling (Rojo 46′), Shaw, Carrick, Pogba (Fosu-Mensah 75′), Lingard (Memphis 66′), Mata, Martial, Rooney

Substitutes Not Used: Romero, Fellaini, Rashford, Ibrahimovic

Filed Under: First Team, Managers, Match Reports, Opinion Tagged With: , , , , ,

CONFIRMED: Pogba, Rooney and Martial start against Fenerbahce

20 October 2016 by

Manchester United face Fenerbahçe for the fifth time in European competition at Old Trafford this evening. Both teams have won twice, with United having the biggest victory with a 6-2 win, inspired by Wayne Rooney on his debut back in 2004. United have been in good form recently, lengthening their unbeaten run to five matches, but after this match, two tricky encounters are on the horizon with a visit to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, followed by another Manchester derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup next Wednesday. If United can get through tonight’s match, and the two against Chelsea and City unbeaten, they will have weathered a tough storm, which will only strengthen them heading into the remainder of the season. Here are the starting XI’s and list of substitutes for both teams this evening.

Manchester United:

De Gea;

Darmian, Smalling, Bailly, Shaw;

Carrick, Pogba;

Mata, Rooney, Lingard;

Martial

Substitutes:

Romero; Fosu-Mensah, Rojo; Memphis, Fellaini; Ibrahimovic, Rashford

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Turkish Delight: Manchester United and Fenerbahce have a split history in Europe

20 October 2016 by

Manchester United face Fenerbahçe in the third group stage match in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night at Old Trafford. United are in a difficult period of matches, drawing against Liverpool at Anfield on Monday night, entertaining the Turkish side this evening, travelling to Chelsea on Sunday and then the second Manchester derby at Old Trafford this season in the EFL Cup next Wednesday, so there are some big games on the horizon for Jose Mourinho’s side. United will have had less than three days before facing Fenerbahce, two days before facing Chelsea and then a three-day break before facing Manchester City, who were defeated by Barcelona, the side they aspire to be (far from it) in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday evening. United and Fenerbahçe have met four times, albeit in the UEFA Champions League, which makes this match worth of a Champions League group stage match. United have won twice, one a spectacular 6-2 victory, winning on another occasion, then losing the other two encounters.

Fenerbahçe 0-2 Manchester United – UEFA Champions League – Wednesday 16th October 1996

The first encounter between the two sides in the 1996/97 season. Sir Alex Ferguson led his Manchester United side against Sebastiao Lazaroni’s Fenerbahçe with David Beckham and Eric Cantona scoring to fire United to victory. This was a good year for United as the likes of Gary Neville, Nicky Butt,  and David Beckham were coming through the ranks and making their presences known, which in just under three years time would see Ferguson’s men reach the promised land, winning that all elusive treble. Winning the Champions League was not meant to be this season, falling to Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals was the furthest this United side would get, which would soon see the end of Cantona, one of the stars of the team at the time.

Manchester United 0-1 Fenerbahçe – UEFA Champions League – Wednesday 30th October 1996

The second match in the double-header between the two sides in the group stages saw United beaten 1-0, a side relatively unchanged which still contained David Beckham, Gary Neville, and Nicky Butt, with the addition of Phil Neville and Paul Scholes being substitutes in the match. United obviously got out of the group stages, so this defeat was not all that costly, but to lose in the fourth match in the group stages was not the best. United eventually finished in second place in the group, seven points behind Juventus, with the Turkish side finishing third. United’s defeat was not all that costly, but could have been so different, should United have got the result they wanted.

Manchester United 6-2 Fenerbahçe – UEFA Champions League – Tuesday 28th September 2004

The best match between the two sides. Wayne Rooney made his Manchester United debut against the Turkish giants, a match where his presence was not expected, but his talent had been seen many times, which was one of the reasons Sir Alex Ferguson paid the money Everton wanted. Ryan Giggs took the lead for United in just seven minutes, which was a great start. Ten minutes after that, Rooney scored his first goal of the match, announcing himself on the European stage on his first United match, which is something that has been matched by Marcus Rashford already. Eleven minutes later, Rooney scored his second goal, putting United 3-0 up. At the start of the second half, Fenerbahçe scored their first goal of the evening through Marcio Nobre, just a minute after the restart. Rooney completed his hat-trick eight minutes later, changing the score to 4-1 with United running wild. Five minutes later, Tuncay scored for the visitors, their second and final goal of the evening. 4-2, game on. But United were not finished. Twelve minutes from time, Ruud van Nistelrooy scored United;s fifth goal of the evening with David Bellion scoring the last goal of the night just three minutes later. It was not United’s first big result in Europe and was not their last, but the Turkish side left Old Trafford humiliated.

Fenerbahçe 0-2 Manchester United – UEFA Champions League – Wednesday 8th December 2004

After the 6-2 humiliation, Fenerbahçe would be looking for revenge in the final group stage match of the UEFA Champions League. United were in the same group as Lyon and Sparta Prague, and before this match were top in the group with Lyon in second place. United were through to the knockout stages whatever happened, so Sir Alex Ferguson made some changes to his team. A 20-year-old Darren Fletcher and Kieran Richardson, 19-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo and 23-year-olds Eric Djemba-Djemba and Liam Miller all started the match. An 18-year-old Jonathan Spector, 17-year-old Gerard Pique, and 19-year-old Chris Eagles were all substitutes in the match. Fenerbahçe won the match 2-0, finished third in the group, but was not good enough to displace any teams above them. United were through to the knockout stages by coming second in the group with Lyon beating Sparta Prague 5-0 to top the group. United went onto face Milan in the knockout stages, losing 1-0 in both legs and exiting the tournament.

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