Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Fenerbahce this Thursday not only marks a high-stakes encounter for current manager Erik ten Hag, but also stirs memories of the club’s former boss, Jose Mourinho. This reunion highlights United’s struggles since Mourinho’s sacking six years ago, as the club continues to search for its lost glory.
Ten Hag, whose future remains uncertain, managed to stave off immediate pressure with a 2-1 win over Brentford last weekend, halting a five-game winless streak. However, with United languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League and a poor start in the Europa League, Thursday’s match against Mourinho’s Fenerbahce could deepen the crisis if the Dutchman fails to secure a win.
Mourinho, famously dubbed “the special one,” was appointed United manager in 2016, tasked with competing against Premier League giants like Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. His tenure at Old Trafford saw early success, with victories in the League Cup and Europa League during his first season. His second year brought United’s highest league finish since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, securing second place behind Guardiola’s record-breaking City side.
Yet, turmoil followed as Mourinho’s relationship with the club deteriorated, leading to his dismissal in December 2018. Reflecting on his time at United, Mourinho later described finishing second in the 2017-18 season as “one of the best jobs” of his career, a statement initially seen as typical Mourinho bravado but has since gained perspective given the club’s continued underperformance. Since his departure, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, and now Erik ten Hag have all struggled to restore United to the heights of the Ferguson era.
United’s best Premier League finish post-Ferguson remains the 81 points Mourinho secured in 2018. That benchmark has yet to be matched, and United’s ongoing inability to challenge City and Liverpool for the title reflects a deeper crisis. Patrice Evra, a former United defender, echoed these sentiments, saying, “the club has been like in chaos” since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
Ten Hag, now in his third season, brought hope by ending a six-year trophy drought with the League Cup in 2023 and a surprise FA Cup final win over City. However, his reign has been marred by inconsistency and mounting pressure despite significant transfer spending, including reunions with players from his former club Ajax. Even after spending nearly £600 million, United’s performances lack a clear identity, leaving fans and critics frustrated.
Mourinho, meanwhile, has faced his own challenges since leaving Old Trafford. His stint at Tottenham saw him fail to win a trophy for the first time since his early managerial days. Nevertheless, he found success in Italy, winning the inaugural Europa Conference League with Roma in 2022, although he was eventually sacked following a Europa League final loss in 2023.
Now managing Fenerbahce, Mourinho has stepped into the turbulent environment of Turkish football. His side currently trails their Istanbul rivals Galatasaray by eight points in the Turkish Super Lig, but Thursday’s match provides him with the big-stage opportunity he thrives on, particularly against his former club. Mourinho will undoubtedly be eager to show his critics at United that his time there should have been appreciated more.
As Erik ten Hag prepares for this crucial Europa League tie, he acknowledged Mourinho’s pedigree: “He is a winner. He has won so many trophies and, I think, is an example for many managers.” However, Ten Hag cannot afford for Mourinho to emerge victorious on Thursday, as defeat could reignite speculation over his future at Old Trafford.
Both managers are under immense pressure, making this encounter more than just a group stage match. It’s a battle for survival, legacy, and vindication, particularly for Ten Hag, who knows that another loss could be catastrophic for his tenure at Manchester United.
