Manchester United begin their Europa league campaign this Thursday as they travel to Holland to take on Feyenoord.
United hosted their rivals Manchester City this weekend in a thrilling Derby Day, but the Red Devils were defeated for the first time under new manager Jose Mourinho, losing 2-1 thanks to goals from City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Mourinho will be keen to get his side off to the right start in Europe following the weekend’s result, but finds an in-form Feyenoord side in his way as United play their first fixture in Group A of the competition.
The Dutch outfit sit sweetly at the top of the Eredivisie, having won all five of their opening games and scoring 15 goals along the way, while only conceding two.
United will have to be back at their best if they are to topple the Dutch giants, and we think they will be.
Here are five reasons Jose Mourinho’s side will destroy Feyenoord …
Point to Prove
It is now advantage-City in a Premier League title race that was set to be hotly contested between the two Manchester outfits. The defeat at the weekend will be a hit home for Jose and his side for two reasons.
Firstly, United were exceptionally poor for the first half; and secondly, City looked a side rejuvenated under Pep Guardiola – unplayable at times. If United are ready to challenge their ‘noisy neighbours’ this season, they need to up their game, and a win in the opening game of the Europa League would be a step in the right direction.
If United are ready to challenge their ‘noisy neighbours’ this season, they need to up their game, and a win in the opening game of the Europa League would be a step in the right direction.
The Rashford Effect
It is time for this boy to shine. His exceptional – albeit substitute – appearance in the Manchester Derby this weekend has led Jose Mourinho to publicly state that the young Englishman has proven his case to start. Speaking
His exceptional – albeit substitute – appearance in the Manchester Derby this weekend has led Jose Mourinho to publicly state that the young Englishman has proven his case to start. Speaking with Sky Sports,
Speaking with Sky Sports, Mourinho said: “The next big game is against Feyenoord and he is going to play. I trust him completely. I know his future will be absolutely brilliant.” The 18-year old forward will step up to the big occasion without a doubt.
The 18-year old forward will step up to the big occasion without a doubt.
Mourinho’s the Man
The Portuguese manager has a proven track record of success in Europe – even if he wasn’t able to bring European glory to either Chelsea or Real Madrid.
Jose has won the Champion’s League with two different teams – Porto and Inter Milan – so will know just how to go on to win on the continent.
Familiar Face
Dirk Kurt may just be the stuff of nightmare’s for United defenders of the past. The Dutchman has scored plenty of goals against the Red Devils over the years, including his memorable six-yard hat-trick back in 2011.
Rest assured the same won’t be happening again, though, as Mourinho and some of the United boys are familiar with the threat the former Liverpool striker provides, so should have no problem dealing with it. Theoretically anyway.
Poor Record in Europe
Feyenoord are certainly flying in the league, but their record in Europe over the past decade doesn’t bode well for them at all. In the last 10 years the Dutch side have not mangled to go further than the third round of the competition, and failed to qualify in three of those years.
In the last 10 years the Dutch side have not managed to go further than the third round of the competition, and failed to qualify in three of those years.
