Erik ten Hag heaps praise on ‘winner’ Jose Mourinho as Man United get set to face their former manager in Europa League action this week

Erik ten Hag issued nothing but words of praise for Jose Mourinho as the present and past Manchester United managers prepare to go head-to-head in a huge European clash on Thursday evening.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for under-pressure Ten Hag as he takes United into a third Europa League match still without a win after disappointing draws against FC Twente and Porto.

It’s a position that Mourinho knows all too well and the legendary Portuguese boss will be desperate to inflict further misery on his former club with new side Fenerbahce.

Mourinho made a surprise move to manage in Turkey during the summer after being sacked by Roma at the start of the year following a run of poor results.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag is currently embarking on his third season at Old Trafford and is under renewed scrutiny after overseeing the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign.

Erik ten Hag (right) heaped praise on former Man United boss Jose Mourinho (left) ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash

Man United are yet to win a Europa League game this season ahead of Thursday’s away trip

The United boss guaranteed himself some more time at the helm as his underperforming squad beat Brentford on Saturday and a European away victory in midweek would only boost his bid to stay in charge.

However, Ten Hag isn’t interested in building a rivalry with Mourinho ahead of their two teams meeting in Istanbul and hailed the ex-Chelsea, Real Madrid and United head coach as a ‘winner’. 

‘It’s a big game for both of us. I really enjoy facing him [Mourinho] and playing against him,’ Ten Hag told the Football Writers’ Association.

‘He always has good teams; he is a winner and has won so many trophies. He’s an example for many managers, so I will really enjoy playing against him,’ he added.

Mourinho previously guided United to glory in the Europa League in 2017 when the Red Devils engineered a 2-0 win over Ajax

Ten Hag is hoping to see his United squad secure their first European win of the season against Mourinho’s team

Mourinho previously guided United to glory in the Europa League in 2017 when the Red Devils engineered a 2-0 win over Ajax – Ten Hag’s former club – in the final.

The 61-year-old later went on to win the UEFA Conference League with Roma and has previously won the Champions League twice during incredible early-career spells at Porto and Inter Milan.

Mourinho last took on his former side with Tottenham three-years ago, falling to a 3-1 defeat in what ultimately proved to be one of his last matches in charge before departing the Premier League.

He has so far endured a mixed start to life in Turkey with Fenerbahce fourth in the Super Lig and so far unbeaten in the Europa League.