Premier League

Managers set for first ever meeting in Europa League

Erik ten Hag

All eyes will be on Fenerbahce and Manchester United on Thursday night when the current Red Devils boss takes on one of his predecessors.

Erik ten Hag has been under constant scrutiny throughout his time at Old Trafford, though times were easier during his first season as they finished third in the Premier League and won the Carabao Cup, a marked improvement after coming sixth with no silverware in 2021/22.

However, expectations remain sky-high at Manchester United and 2023/24’s finish of eighth was only mitigated by the heroic FA Cup triumph at Wembley Stadium, which in turn helped Ten Hag keep his job.

He remains in charge following a 2-1 victory over Brentford on Saturday but has a truly fascinating task on his hands on Thursday night when he takes on one of the ghosts of United’s recent past.

Mourinho led United from the summer of 2016 before being dismissed in late 2018, having won the Community Shield, Europa League and Carabao Cup in his first season. He remains a revered coach for all his accomplishments earlier in his career, though his guarantee of top-level success has faded of late.

It’s bound to be an occasion the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager will relish. The 61-year-old was quick to pat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the head after leading Tottenham Hotspur to a resounding 6-1 victory in 2020, though the Norwegian returned the favour when United won in north London later that season.

Mourinho’s time in the Premier League didn’t cross over with Ten Hag as he was sacked by Spurs well before his latest successor arrived. In fact, Thursday night will see the pair square off on the touchline for the first time in their managerial careers.

Ten Hag took over from Peter Bosz at Ajax shortly after Mourinho led United to Europa League glory in 2017, with the Eredivisie side defeated finalists before their dramatic run in the Champions League a few years later.

“It’s a big game for both of us. I [will] really enjoy facing him and playing against him,” Ten Hag said at the recent Football Writers’ Association awards.

“He always has good teams; he is a winner and has won so many trophies. He’s an example for many managers, so I will really enjoy playing against him.”

Erik ten Hag

Ten Hag had a disappointing night in Turkey last year / BSR Agency/GettyImages

Ten Hag has not coached any of his former teams against Fenerbahce, but it’s not the first time he’ll take on a Turkish outfit.

The 54-year-old previously led his Ajax side to two wins over Besiktas during the 2021/22…

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