- Erik ten Hag praised José Mourinho before the meeting of his two teams
- Ten Hag’s United will travel to Türkiye to face Fenerbahce on Thursday
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Erik ten Hag had nothing but praise for Jose Mourinho as Manchester United’s current and former managers prepare to clash in a big European clash on Thursday night.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Ten Hag, who is under pressure as he takes United into a third Europa League match without a win after disappointing draws against FC Twente and Porto.
It’s a position Mourinho knows all too well and the legendary Portuguese manager will be desperate to inflict more misery on his former club with new Fenerbahce.
Mourinho made a surprise decision to manage in Türkiye over the summer after being sacked by Roma earlier in the year following a run of poor results.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag is currently embarking on his third season at Old Trafford and is under renewed scrutiny after overseeing the club’s worst start to a Premier League campaign.
Erik ten Hag (right) praised former Man United manager Jose Mourinho (left) ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash.
Man United are yet to win a Europa League match this season ahead of Thursday’s trip.
The United boss guaranteed himself more time in charge as his underperforming side beat Brentford on Saturday and a European win away in midweek would only boost his bid to stay in charge.
However, Ten Hag is not interested in building a rivalry with Mourinho before their two teams meet in Istanbul and hailed the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and United manager as a “winner”.
“It’s a great game for both of us. I really enjoy facing him (Mourinho) and playing against him,” Ten Hag told the Football Writers’ Association.
‘He always has good teams; He is a winner and has won many trophies. “He is an example for many coaches, so I will really enjoy playing against him,” he added.
Mourinho previously guided United to Europa League glory in 2017 as the Red Devils claimed a 2-0 victory over Ajax.
Ten Hag will be hoping his United side claim their first European win of the season against Mourinho’s side.
Mourinho previously guided United to Europa League glory in 2017 as the Red Devils claimed a 2-0 victory over Ten Hag’s former club Ajax in the final.
The 61-year-old went on to win the UEFA Conference League with Roma and previously won the Champions League twice during his incredible early spells at Porto and Inter Milan.
The last time Mourinho faced his former team with Tottenham was three years ago, losing 3-1 in what ultimately turned out to be one of his last games in charge before leaving the Premier League.
They have had a mixed start so far in Türkiye, with Fenerbahce fourth in the Super Lig and so far unbeaten in the Europa League.