Manchester United expected squad vs Fenerbahce as Academy star returns under Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag is expected to add a further academy star to his Manchester United squad as they face Fenerbahce in the Europa League.

Manchester United are set to return to Europa League action on Thursday evening with a challenging away fixture against Fenerbahce in their third group stage match.

United’s Europa League campaign has been rocky so far, with back-to-back draws against FC Twente and FC Porto, sparking significant criticism of Erik ten Hag’s management.

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On a positive note, Ten Hag’s side showed resilience over the weekend, producing a brilliant second-half display to overturn a deficit and secure a victory over Brentford in the Premier League at Old Trafford.

The showdown with Fenerbahce also promises a reunion with former United manager Jose Mourinho, who departed in 2018. The Turkish club also boasts familiar faces in Fred and Sofyan Amrabat, both of whom previously played under Ten Hag at United.

While the Premier League squad only allows nine players to occupy the bench, UEFA fixtures allow for 11, meaning Ten Hag can add two more players from his squad that faced Brentford.

An Academy star returns

With no changes likely (bar Bruno Fernandes, who is suspended after a red card against FC Porto) from the Brentford win, as no injuries were sustained, the three extra players are expected to consist of third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton and two Academy stars.

With Ethan Wheatley and Jack Fletcher already on the squad sheet, it is likely that Ten Hag will call up a midfielder, considering the injury to Kobbie Mainoo, to add further depth. Toby Collyer is currently injured, making Dan Gore the most likely candidate for the position.

Ten Hag has explained that he is a big fan of the 20-year-old after handing Gore his debut for the club in September 2023, on his 19th birthday.

“It’s a good birthday for him, but I’m not a coach who gives opportunities to players [for no reason]; they have to earn it. Once they earn it, they have their chance,” Ten Hag said following a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.

“They have to earn it every day in training. I don’t hand opportunities to young players. They must consistently prove their worth in training because if they don’t, it can affect the team.

“We are very critical. They have to deserve it every day in training. And when the standards are too low, they will hurt from us, and we don’t play them because they have to train every day to the maximum.”

Gore missed the club’s pre-season tour due to a freak shoulder injury but recently returned for the Academy teams and has taken part in several first-team training sessions under Ten Hag.

With Fernandes suspended, it is thought that the other change could be young left-back Harry Amass.

Man United expected squad

Goalkeepers: André Onana, Altay Bayındır, Tom Heaton.
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelöf, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, Harry Amass,
Midfielders: Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Jack Fletcher, Manuel Ugarte, Dan Gore.
Forwards: Rasmus Højlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Ethan Wheatley.

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