Manchester United haven’t quite hit the ground running as many expected following their activity in the transfer window.
We here at the Transfer Tavern feel that maybe with a bit of luck in the Europa League it could help to push on Mourinho’s men.
The Red Devils have a tough task in the form of Turkish side Fenerbahce – of whom have quite a key game in the history of United!
A young Wayne Rooney made his debut for the club in a Champions League game against Fenerbahce in 2003.
That brings us to one of the big talking points at Manchester United at the moment, whether or not captain Rooney should actually have a place in their side.
The 30-year-old was dropped for his country after the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ did so for the Red Devils.
The club who paid a record £89m for Paul Pogba in the summer have been playing the Frenchman deep when many feel he should be further up the field in the spot Rooney is currently occupying.
United have struggled so far in the Europa League, with a defeat in match-day 1 to Feyenoord and a struggle at Old Trafford against Ukranian side Zorya Luhansk and only winning 1-0.
Meanwhile, Turkish titans Fenerbahce have started well with 4 points and find themselves top of Group A.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at a potential team that could have enough about them to beat the inform Istanbul giants.
David De Gea
Despite having Romero who would be a viable option in the Europa League – it is hard to look past the Spanish and United No.1
If they hope to win a clean sheet will be vital in order to come away with all 3 points.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah
The young Dutch full-back is favored for us here at the Tavern over the option of more experienced right-back Matteo Darmian.
This is mainly because of the lack of form from the Italian and it seems that the former may well have to leave the club for his sake if nothing else.
Fosu-Mensah emerged due to injury problems at the Red Devils last season.
The 19-year-old Dutchman rarely looks out of place and for us his pace will be beneficial against the fast-paced Lens on the Fenerbahce wing.
Eric Bailly
Since the 22-year-old Ivorian arrived at United he has been one of their standout stars.
The former Villarreal man has been likened to a former United legend in Nemanja Vidic amongst our punters, due to his commitment to the cause and his die hard attitude towards defending.
It’s hard to name a winning Man Utd side without him in the back 4.
Chris Smalling
After a dismal summer in France with England the centre-back returned late and found himself out of the starting XI due to injury issues but has since wormed his way back into the first-team plans.
With leadership qualities, he and Bailly could form a brilliant partnership and prevent the strength from Fenerbahce forward Emanuel Emenike.
Marcos Rojo
The Argentine looks set for the exit at United but he’s featured in the first two games of the Europa League and left-back and we feel Mourinho won’t change that and will keep him there.
The versatile full-back/centre-back has had a bit of a mix of fortunes since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon under Van Gaal – we hope he can find the form that first brought him to the club and he can push on.
Marouane Fellaini
You may not like the guy but he has some talent when he puts his mind on the game and not being aggressive.
The Belgian international was on many punters’ list as one of the first players that Mourinho would axe on his arrival.
Still, it’s been quite the opposite as he is a regular in the starting line-up under Mourinho and we see no reason for change.
Paul Pogba
The record signing has been rather underwhelming when you considering the £89-million they paid for him.
However, our landlord here in the Tavern feels that it’s only a matter of time before we see the player that was amazing at Juventus.
Maybe the Europa League could be his format to progress and show the world he is worth the price United paid for him.
Juan Mata
Many felt that Mata wouldn’t be a Manchester United player after Mourinho arrived having infamously sold him during his time at Chelsea.
But the Spanish playmaker has made the Portuguese gaffer think again and he has been ‘Mr.Consistent’ every time he has featured for the Red Devils.
He will be a key player alongside Pogba in the midfield against a strong looking Fenerbahce side.
Marcus Rashford
The player won the player of the month award and what a player this young lad is!
He is keeping Martial out the side for us here at the Tavern.
The 19-year-old has been in dreamland since he made his mark in this competition last season when injuries forced Van Gaal to put the unknown striker into the starting XI.
Rashford hasn’t looked back since and he is a must in the Fenerbahce game if United want to gain all 3 points!
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
After making a great start to life on these shores, it’s hard to put a team together without the superstar Swede in the side.
The 35-year-old scored the winner in their last Europa League game against Zorya.
The veteran striker could do nothing for around 75 minutes of a game and would still produce some magic and score!
