Mourinho makes surprising Man Utd ‘AFRAID’ confession

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 23 Oct 2024 21:30 BST
• 2 min read

Jose Mourinho says that Manchester United have no reason to fear Fenerbahce when they meet the Turkish side in the Europa League on Thursday.

Mourinho, who famously coached the Red Devils between 2016 and 2018, is now in charge of Fenerbahce and is under pressure after making a disappointing start to the season in Turkey.

The Portuguese has been renowned throughout his career for his forthright and often very self-assured opinions on the teams he manages, but ahead of the clash at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, he appears less confident than usual.

"I'm not the coach of Man Utd and I don't see any reason for United to be afraid of Fenerbahce, but if they think it will be easy it would be the wrong approach,” Mourinho confessed to the media.

He also revealed what he would do if he were in the shoes of under-pressure manager Erik Ten Hag, who has overseen draws with Twente and Porto in the Europa League.

“I think they will come with maximum strength, that's what I would do," Mourinho said.

Mourinho backs Ten Hag

Despite the difficulties that Ten Hag is facing, Mourinho hopes that Man Utd keep the faith in the Dutchman, who ended a five-match winless run with a 2-1 victory over Brentford at the weekend.

“I left Man Utd with a good feeling for the club and the fans. If things aren't going well for the them that doesn't make me happy,” he said. “What's important to me is they keep faith in the coach because that gives stability.

“I wish all the best to Man Utd. I’ve been happy there, we won the Europa League, second in the league.”

Fenerbahce are currently ahead of United in the Europa League standings, having claimed four points from their two matches. Like the Red Devils, they draw with Twente, having overcome Union SG in their opening clash.