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03rd Nov 2016

Manchester United recall some big names for Europa League clash against Fenerbahce

No Robin van Persie for the visitors.

Tom Victor

José Mourinho has made a number of changes as he looks to lead Manchester United to within touching distance of the Europa League knockout stages.

United are in Turkey to face Fenerbahçe, knowing that victory will leave them five points clear of today’s opponents with two games remaining.

Morgan Schneiderlin and Anthony Martial have been handed rare starts, while defensive injuries mean Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo are partnered at centre-back. Wayne Rooney will captain the English side, while Paul Pogba looks likely to start in a more advanced role than he has enjoyed at times this season.

Neither player began the 0-0 draw against Burnley, and they are joined in the starting line-up by Ander Herrera, whose red card against the Clarets means he will get a rest at the weekend.

Mourinho’s team beat Fener 4-1 at Old Trafford in their last Europa League game, but that is one of just two wins recorded by the Red Devils since their Europa League victory over Zorya back on September 29.

The biggest news for Fenerbahçe is the absence of former United striker Robin van Persie, who scored the Turkish side’s only goal at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman starts on the bench, with his starting place taken by Senegalese striker Moussa Sow.

there are two players with Premier League experience in the home side’s starting XI: ex-Liverpool defender Martin Škrtel and Jeremain Lens, who joined on loan from Sunderland over the summer.

If the hosts can pick up all three points, they will be in a strong position to progress, possibly at United’s expense.

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