Ten Hag can replace Fernandes by unleashing Man Utd’s “machine”

Manchester United journey to face Turkish aspect Fenerbahçe this night of their third outing of this season’s Europa League.

Erik ten Hag’s aspect are nonetheless trying to find their first win within the competitors, after drawing their opening two conferences in opposition to FC Twente and Porto.

Nevertheless, the Purple Devils will face a tricky job in securing three factors tonight, arising in opposition to former boss José Mourinho, who will undoubtedly be seeking to inflict but extra ache on his former employers.

His aspect come into the fixture after a win and a draw of their opening two outings, with each groups placing their unbeaten streaks on the road in Istanbul.

The European conflict would’ve been difficult sufficient for the United boss, however he additionally has numerous points to cope with all through his squad, probably leaving his aspect mild in key areas.

Ten Hag’s midfield dilemma in opposition to Fenerbahçe

In addition to Mourinho, United will probably be arising in opposition to a few acquainted faces in former first-team members Fred and Sofyan Amrabat – with the duo undoubtedly wanting to say the bragging rights.

Ten Hag must decide a midfield to deal with their respective threats however faces a dilemma with restricted choices accessible at his disposal.

Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount have each been overlooked of the travelling squad amid their respective damage woes, while Bruno Fernandes must sit out the conflict after his dismissal in opposition to Porto final day trip.

Casemiro was substituted within the weekend’s victory over Brentford at Outdated Trafford with a suspected damage, however the Brazilian has travelled with the Purple Devils – a sign that his withdrawal on Saturday was only a precaution.

The 32-year-old stays simply one in every of a handful of midfielders who’re capable of characteristic in Turkey this night, with the previous Actual Madrid hopefully seeking to construct on his influential show in opposition to Thomas Frank’s aspect.

Because of the varied absentees, he may very well be joined by a brand new associate on the base of the aspect, probably offering that added chew in what will probably be a feisty affair.

The person who might substitute Fernandes tonight

There’s no denying that Ten Hag’s aspect will miss the qualities of Portuguese worldwide Fernandes tonight, however there’s greater than sufficient high quality within the Purple Devils’ midfield division to cowl for the 30-year-old.

Nevertheless, it might result in a slight reshuffle, with Christian Eriksen prone to push barely additional ahead and function within the quantity 10 function, opening up a chance for summer season signing Manuel Ugarte to begin from the off.

The Uruguayan, who value the membership a complete of £50m together with add-ons, has solely began thrice since his big-money switch from Paris Saint-Germain, however tonight might hand them the proper probability to kick begin his United profession.

Ugarte, who’s beforehand been dubbed a “machine” by expertise scout Jacek Kulig, has a number of qualities, along with his potential out of possession permitting Ten Hag’s aspect to dominate the midfield in opposition to Mourinho’s males.

In his solely earlier Europa League outing for his new aspect, the 23-year-old began and accomplished the entire 90 minutes in opposition to FC Twente, producing some phenomenal numbers.

The midfielder made 4 tackles, while successful six duels and making two interceptions – offering an actual stable base on the coronary heart of Ten Hag’s midfield – one thing which his aspect will desperately want with out Fernandes concerned.

With all eyes set to be on the midfield amid the presence of these acquainted faces in Amrabat and Fred, it might effectively be essential to utilise the ball-winning presence of Ugarte to assist dominate that skilled pairing.

In Ligue 1 final season, the one-time Sporting CP star averaged a mammoth 5.5 tackles & interceptions per recreation, far forward of what Fred (2.9) and Amrabat (1.7) achieved within the Tremendous Lig and Premier League, respectively, for that very same metric in 2023/24. As such, United’s new man might effectively be the difference-maker to assist get a stranglehold on the sport within the centre of the park.

The assembly tonight is big for United as they give the impression of being to safe their first European win of the 2024/25 season and push for a spot within the knockout phases of the competitors.

While accidents and suspensions have plagued the first-team squad, Ten Hag now has the proper alternative to unleash Ugarte, giving the teen the platform to exhibit why they paid such a sizeable price for his providers this summer season.