Scouting For Mourinho – 5 Things He Needs To Change Against Fenerbahce

Jose Mourinho managed to frustrate and hold the Reds at Anfield at the weekend with just around 35% of the ball throughout the game. The visitors will be happy with a point from this game and will now turn their attention towards their European campaign. They will welcome Turkish outfit Fenerbahce on Thursday and will hope to take all three points from this game to try and move into the top half of the group table. They were not really at their best at Anfield and will have to do a lot of things differently to win this game and here are 5 such things that Mourinho might change for this clash:

Midfield combination:

Mourinho played Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini with Paul Pogba as the furthest of the midfield three against Liverpool. Though it is not really exciting, it provided the stability they needed to stay in the game. However, they will have to be on the front foot at home against their Turkish opponents and the manager will have to play different combination in the midfield to provide his side a better threat in the attack.

Mindset of the players:

It is harsh to say that Mourinho’s side were at Anfield only for a point but the manager certainly has set his team up to defend before attack. He wanted his side to frustrate the opponents even if it meant sacrificing their attacking instincts in dangerous areas. But against Fenerbahce, Mourinho will want his team to take the initiative and keep knocking on the door to try and get maximum points from the game. It will be a completely different approach from the manager for the two games.

Ashley Young’s role:

Young was one of the many players that stuck to the task on the night at Anfield. Played on the wing on the left side of the midfield, he managed to provide cover for his left-back while trying hard to impress in the final third. However, he will be expected to play a completely different role if he starts the Europa League fixture at Old Trafford. He will surely be an impact player and might be the difference on the night for the Red Devils.

A slightly weakened lineup:

The manager has in the past revealed that the Premier League is more important to him than the Europa League. His team selection in the first few games was an indication of the same. And now with a trip back to the Bridge for the first time after being sacked looming large, Mourinho will surely use a weakened lineup for this game to give his star players a chance to be fit and ready for the Chelsea game. The likes of Zlatan, Pogba and co might be given a rest after the absorbing test at Anfield.

His striker:

Like already mentioned, Zlatan Ibrahimovic might be given a rest for this Europa League fixture. This will leave the manager with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Wayne Rooney as options to lead the attack of the side. Rashford played an important role at Anfield but might yet start this game while Rooney will hope that he get his chance. It will surely be a different player leading the attack for the side after the Swede was not quite effective against Liverpool.