United head to Istanbul to play Fenerbahce for the first time in 12 years this evening. They had more shots in their game against Burnley than they have had in any game since 2003/04 – or when records began.
They will be hoping to take a leap toward the knockout stages of the Europa League with a win tonight, but here are a few things they will be hoping to avoid.
1. Marcus Rojo’s 40-yard shots
When your side is goalless at home to Burnley, if there’s one thing you really don’t want to see it’s a 40-yard shot from Marcus Rojo. Despite looking decent(ish) as a replacement for the injured Eric Bailly, United fans would be much happier to see him avoid attempting any screamers this evening.
Can’t stop thinking about that Rojo shot
— Seán O’Sullivan (@OSullivanMUFC) October 29, 2016
It left plenty of fans waking up with cold sweats and would be better left in the bin.
2. Eric Djemba-Djemba, or a repeat of 2004
The last time United headed to Istanbul to play Fenerbache, they were battered 3-0. Former Middlesbrough striker Tuncay Sanli bagged himself a hat-trick.
Man Utd’s last visit to Fenerbahçe: Howard; P Neville, Brown, O’Shea, Richardson; Bellion, Miller, Djemba-Djemba, Fletcher, Fortune; Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/y98SAl06Eo
— Jake Gallagher (@MatchoftheDave) November 3, 2016
The team that night featured names such as Eric Djemba-Djemba, Liam Miller and David Bellion. United had already guaranteed their qualification and were able to play a relatively second-string side.
With current team selection already an issue, Djemba-Djemba can probably leave his boots at home.
3. Mark Clattenburg
The man with the dodgy tattoo received choruses of “Fergie’s right, the refs are shite” after his decision to send off Ander Hererra or award the home-side a penalty for Jon Flanagan’s challenge on Matteo Darmian.
Mourinho admitted “using abusive and/or insulting” language towards Clattenburg “in or around the tunnel area.”
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) November 2, 2016
Alongside those decisions, Clattenburg sent Jose Mourinho to the stands for, well, being Mourinho. It’s safe to say he is an unpopular man amongst The Reds at the moment. He will be refereeing the North London derby on Sunday, so at least we can expect a new tattoo to appear on his calf.