Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester United, Europa League, Erik Ten Hag, Jose Mourinho, Fenerbahce, Premier League, Manchester City
Tom Jenkins
Manchester United fans have been caught up in some pretty ugly scenes ahead of their clash with Fenerbahce in Istanbul, as Turkish ultras launch attacks on the traveling fans.
United are yet to win in the Europa League this season but remain unbeaten after draws with Porto and FC Twente despite taking a two-goal lead in Portugal.
Erik ten Hag's men will be desperate to finally kick-start their European campaign as they currently sit 21st in the league, seven places below Thursday's opponents.
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However, a trip to Turkey is no joke, and considering the added context of Jose Mourinho it's likely to be a very tough evening for United at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
Fenerbahce are renowned for the incredible atmosphere created by their ultras, however, it appears to have gotten out of hand as footage has emerged of United fans being jumped by Fenerbahce supporters on Wednesday evening.
One supporter who claimed to be involved told the Man United blog there were up to 50 attackers.
“About 50 of them swarmed us. One lad followed me down a street and pretended to help before hitting me a shot into the jaw.”
Traveling United fans were reportedly injured by glass and a crowbar in the attack.
Ahead of the match, Mourinho made a bold claim that he may still win the Premier League with United due to the ongoing legal battle between Manchester City and the Premier League.
"As you know, we won the Europa League [in 2017] and we finished second in the Premier League [in 2018]," he said.
"I think we still have a chance to win that league because maybe they punish Man City with points and maybe we win that league and then they have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal."
Mourinho also clarified his position on his former club, revealing that he gets no enjoyment out of seeing them suffer in the position they are in.
"I wish the best to Man United since the moment I left," he said.
"I left with a good feeling to the club and with a good feeling to the fans. If things are not going amazingly well for them it's not something that makes me happy."