Erik ten Hag relishing Europa League battle with Jose Mourinho when Manchester United play Fenerbahce -‘He is a winner'
Published 21/10/2024 at 08:49 GMT+1
Erik ten Hag is preparing his Manchester United side for a UEFA Europa League clash against Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday. United are still waiting to claim their first win in this season's competition following 1-1 and 3-3 draws with FC Twente and FC Porto, respectively. Mourinho spent two years in charge at Old Trafford, and led the club to Europa League success in his first season.
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Erik ten Hag is relishing the prospect of a battle with Jose Mourinho when Manchester United go head-to-head with Fenerbahce on Thursday.
Ten Hag takes United for a UEFA Europa League clash in Istanbul on Thursday - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - and the Dutchman lauded Mourinho for his incredible trophy-winning pedigree.
“It's a big game for both of us,” said Ten Hag in an interview with the Football Writers' Assocation.
“I really enjoy facing him and to play against him. 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.”
The Red Devils head into the match after securing a much-needed 2-1 victory over Brentford, ending a five-match winless run across all competitions.
Ten Hag insists morale has remained high in the squad despite that sobering run of form, and is determined to secure more silverware come the end of the season.
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He added: “The spirit has always been high, but the mood will be better with a win. Everyone has high expectations of our team, so we have to win.
“We have to go for it every game and be determined. When we win, we enjoy it for 24 hours and then we move on.
“It is football, you have to live for now. What's in the past is in the past, you have to prove yourself every day and in every season.
“So, we have to go for it and we will see where we end up, but our target is to win a trophy again.”
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One player hoping to continue his path on the goal trail will be Rasmus Hojlund, who netted his first in the Premier League this season on Saturday.
Ten Hag concluded: “He will always score, but what is important is that he keeps fit. He has picked up so many injuries in the first season.
“When he stays fit, he will score goals because that's proven in his stats.”
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Stream the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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