Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag faces a significant challenge as his side prepares to face Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League. The Red Devils will be without captain Bruno Fernandes, who received his first red card for the club during a dramatic 3-3 draw against FC Porto. This leaves Ten Hag with a dilemma in how to replace the influential playmaker.
Bruno Fernandes has been a mainstay in United’s squad since his £47 million move from Sporting in January 2020, rarely missing games due to injury or suspension. However, his absence for this crucial European fixture presents an opportunity for Ten Hag to get creative.
The most obvious replacement in midfield is Christian Eriksen, who could fill Fernandes’ void alongside Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte in a more balanced double pivot. Yet, Ten Hag could opt for a more attacking approach, potentially surprising Mourinho by utilizing the pace and flair of Amad Diallo in a more advanced role.
Amad, a talented 22-year-old winger, has shown promise with one goal and one assist in 10 appearances this season. While players like Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford are currently ahead of him in the pecking order, Fernandes’ suspension opens the door for Ten Hag to experiment. Amad’s dribbling ability and quick link-up play make him a potential secret weapon against Mourinho’s defense.
United’s front three of Garnacho, Rashford, and Rasmus Hojlund shined in their 2-1 victory over Brentford, but Ten Hag might see this as the perfect opportunity to give Amad a central attacking role, testing Mourinho’s tactical flexibility.
United fans have been calling for more involvement from Amad, and this Europa League fixture might just be the stage for the Ivorian to shine. As the Red Devils aim to strengthen their European campaign, Erik ten Hag’s ability to adapt could be the key to unlocking a crucial win against Mourinho’s well-drilled Fenerbahce side.
With United juggling injury concerns and tactical decisions, this game offers intrigue and potential surprises as Ten Hag seeks to outsmart his old Premier League rival, Jose Mourinho.
