Jose Mourinho reveals his biggest worry vs Manchester United, hands Erik ten Hag advice

Jose Mourinho has detailed his biggest worry as Manchester United travel to face his Fenerbahce side on their home ground in the Europa League.

Manchester United will resume their Europa League campaign on Thursday evening, traveling to Turkey to take on Fenerbahce in their third group stage match.

United’s start to the competition has been underwhelming, with consecutive draws against FC Twente and FC Porto, resulting in heavy criticism of Erik ten Hag’s approach.

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On the domestic front, however, United showed resilience last weekend, coming from behind to claim a much-needed victory over Brentford at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

The clash with Fenerbahce also brings a reunion with former United boss Jose Mourinho, who now manages the Turkish side. Adding to the intrigue, Fred and Sofyan Amrabat, two former United midfielders who played under Ten Hag, will also be facing their old club.

Mourinho’s biggest worry

Speaking to the press ahead of the crunch clash, Mourinho was asked if his away record against Sir Alex Ferguson gives him hope.

Across multiple attempts, the legendary United manager never managed to defeat a side managed by Mourinho away from home.

“I don’t think so,” the Portugese boss replied. I didn’t know, you’re telling me. There is no connection with the past.

“When I played Manchester United, I played with big teams. Porto, a few months later, became European Champions, Real Madrid was Real Madrid and Chelsea is Chelsea. We will try, but there is a gap. We are going for it.”

Further, the 61-year-old revealed his biggest worry, explaining that he does not think his team can beat United in 11 vs 11 and that his Fenerbahce side needs all 35,000 fans behind them on Thursday evening.

“We can not beat Manchester United 11 vs 11. We need 35,000 (fans behind us).”

Advice for Ten Hag

Although Turkish football atmospheres are known for being among the most volatile and hectic in Europe, Mourinho explained that he does not see any reason why United would be afraid of facing his side.

The question posed was, ‘If he were the coach of United, what would he caution against while facing Fenerbahce?’ He explained that although they would not be afraid, thinking the game would be east is a mistake for Ten Hag to make.

“I’m not the coach of Manchester United. I don’t see any reason for Manchester United to be afraid of Fenerbahce. It is not an easy game for them.

“If they think it is easy, it will be the wrong approach. I think, unfortunately for us, they will come with maximum strength.

“I don’t think they will make rotation ahead of West Ham. They will come full strength – that is what I would do.”

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