Manchester United set to be without Bruno Fernandes for Europa League tie at Fenerbahce
Bruno Fernandes was shown a red card in their 3-3 draw at FC Porto
Manchester United will be without suspended skipper Bruno Fernandes for their Europa League tie against Fenerbahce.
Bruno Fernandes received a red card for two yellow cards in the entertaining 3-3 draw at FC Porto, resulting in a one-match ban.
His absence raises questions about who will fill the no.10 role as Erik ten Hag weighs his options for Thursday’s 20:00 BST kick-off.
Midfield issues complicate matters, with Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Toby Collyer, and Dan Gore all unavailable for the recent victory over Brentford.
Manuel Ugarte came off the bench in that match, and there are hopes that Casemiro will be fit after he appeared to sustain a knock late in the 2-1 triumph.
Youngster Jack Fletcher was included in the matchday squad for the first time on Saturday.
United were also missing defenders Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Leny Yoro. However, Noussair Mazraoui showed his fitness by coming on as a substitute in the closing stages against Brentford, replacing Alejandro Garnacho.
In the Turkish Super Lig, Jose Mourinho’s side conceded a late equalizer, drawing 2-2 against Samsunspor over the weekend.
Former Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin scored one of the goals, while former Reds Fred and Sofyan Amrabat are expected to feature for Fenerbahce on Thursday.
Veteran Edin Dzeko could lead the line, although Youssef En-Nesyri, who helped knock United out of this competition with Sevilla in 2023, is also an option.
Dutch defender Jayden Oosterwolde has sustained an injury, and Mourinho said: “After Jayden got injured, we had to make some changes that we didn’t want.
“[Alexander] Dijku had to move to a different position, we put Samet [Akaydin] into the game.
“Since we had no more substitutions, I couldn’t put Mert [Hakan Yandas] into the game.”
Irfan Can Egribayat, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Caglar Soyuncu, and Ismail Yuksek may be sidelined.
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