Ten Hag confirmed to be without ‘sensational’ star vs Fenerbahce as he sweats on fitness of numerous Reds

Manchester United will travel to Istanbul this week ahead of Thursday evening’s Europa League clash with Fenerbahce.

Still seeking their first win in Europe this term, the Red Devils come up against a host of familiar faces, firstly in the form of ex-manager Jose Mourinho. Elsewhere, former Reds Fred and Sofyan Amrabat are poised to feature, the latter of which played his final game for United in May’s FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City.

In terms of the options Erik ten Hag is likely to have at his disposal, we can assume that the squad will be relatively similar to that of Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brentford. However, one key absentee will be Bruno Fernandes, who is suspended for the tie after receiving two yellow cards last time out against FC Porto. It remains to be seen which player will be called upon to fill the ‘sensational’ skipper’s void in the No.10 role.

United team news for Istanbul strip

Elsewhere, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount remain unavailable for the time being, although the ex-Chelsea man is expected to return to training any day now, so it’ll be worth keeping an eye on United’s social media to see if he makes the trip to Turkey.

Noussair Mazraoui was surprisingly deemed fit enough to make the matchday squad vs the Bees over the weekend despite undergoing minor surgery for heart palpitations during the international break. He came on in the closing stages in place of Alejandro Garnacho and will presumably start as soon as he’s fit enough to. 

Manuel Ugarte was forced off with an injury concern in Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador last week but did make a two-minute cameo off the bench for the Reds. Fernandes being ruled out may lead to Ugarte being included in the starting 11 alongside Casemiro, with Christian Eriksen operating in a more advanced, attacking position.