‘Big game for both of us’ – Ten Hag ready for Mourinho’s Fenerbahce

Erik ten Hag has revealed he ‘can’t wait to play’ against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side in a crucial Europa League match for Manchester United next week.

The Reds travel to Istanbul for a difficult trip and they need a win to get their Europa League campaign on track after two draws from as many group games against FC Twente and Porto.

Speaking to Hayters TV, the Dutch manager was asked about the prospect of facing a former United manager in the competition.

“It’s a big game for both of us, I really enjoy facing him, to play against him.

“[Mourinho] always has good teams. He is a winner, he’s won so many trophies. I think he is an example for many, many managers, so I really enjoy to play against them.”

Manchester United’s European campaign hangs in the balance

In the new Europa League format, United are positioned 21st place and four points adrift of leaders Lazio. The top eight process directly into the round of 16, while those between 9th and 24th will compete in the first knockout phase, with the winners from those ties joining them the top eight in the last 16.

A win over Brentford on Saturday could give United a confidence boost and the momentum required to get a result. That said, Ten Hag will be wary of Mourinho and whether he has any tricks up his sleeve for this week’s meeting.

Meanwhile, Fenerbahce have drawn one and won one in the Europa League. This puts the Turks in a slightly stronger position but we can change that with a victory on Thursday night.

Mourinho’s side are 4th in the Super Lig and eight points behind league leaders Galatasaray.