Manchester United are set to travel to Istanbul to play Fenerbahce on Thursday. Erik ten Hag and Jose Mourinho, the two most successful managers of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era will square off.
The Europa League matchup is naturally intriguing as Mourinho gets ready to play United for the fifth time since his shocking dismissal in 2018.
After managing two frustrating draws at the beginning of the league phase campaign. First being held by FC Twente and then blowing a two-goal lead at FC Porto, Ten Hag needed a victory.
In his twelve years as manager, Ten Hag has never faced the Portuguese boss, which makes the clash at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium unpredictable.
According to Daily Express, Ten Hag announced ahead of the match that he will meet with Mourinho for confidential discussions both before and after the game.
He also mentioned how excited he was to see the two-time Champions League champion in face-to-face in the Turkish capital.
“It’s a big game for both of us. I will really enjoy facing him and playing against him. He has always had good teams,” the United boss explained.
“He is a winner. He has won so many trophies. I think he’s an example for many, many managers, so I really enjoy playing against him.”
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United, whom Mourinho last met as Tottenham manager in April 2021, is one of just five teams who have defeated him more.
In December 2019, the Red Devils defeated Mourinho’s side 2-1. In their first meeting with the club since his dismissal the previous year, winning that match 3-1 in north London.
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