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UNITED EYE TOP SPOT:Red Devils face Fenerbahce in Europa League encounter

Football

By Standard Reporter | Oct 20, 2016

Manchester United could go top of their Uefa Europa League group today when they host Fenerbahce at Old Trafford in a tie that could feature former United striker Robin van Persie.

The Red Devils came through the international break unscathed with Luke Shaw—who came on as a substitute against Liverpool on Monday—and Henrikh Mkhitaryan back to fitness.

However, Anthony Martial and Morgan Schneiderlin are doubts for the game after suffering injuries in training on Saturday.

With Chelsea looming on Sunday, it’s likely manager Jose Mourinho will opt for a much-changed side to the one that drew with the Reds at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Van Persie could be fit to face his old team after featuring for Fenerbahce following his recovery from injury.

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While the Europa League may be far from a priority for United, it’s a major trophy they have a strong chance of winning if they take it seriously, with the added bonus of Uefa Champions League qualification on the off chance they fail to make the top four.

Equally, exiting at the group stage would not be a disaster—United’s true ambitions lie in winning the Premier League title and a top four-place is well within their grasp even if they don’t top the table.

However, it would be somewhat humiliating—even if Fenerbahce and Feyenoord are among the most tricky sides they could have drawn. After losing to the Dutch side in their opening game, they have an even greater need to win their home matches.

Today they face a Fenerbahce side unbeaten in their last five but struggling in their domestic league, with just two wins in their last seven games leaving them in ninth place.

Manager Dick Advocaat is already under pressure.