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20th Oct 2016

Wayne Rooney returns to Manchester United’s starting XI for Fenerbahce clash

RvP returns to his old stomping ground

JOE

Manchester United play the third match of their Europa League campaign tonight, with Robin van Persie returning to Old Trafford with his Fenerbahce teammates.

After a handsome 1-0 win against European heavyweights Zorya Luhansk last time out, United will hope to build on that result against the Turkish club in order to take a step towards qualification from their group.

Following the 0-0 draw against Liverpool on Monday evening, Jose Mourinho has made seven changes to his starting lineup. Perhaps the most significant is that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been benched with Wayne Rooney returning to the United starting XI. Luke Shaw also starts the match – his first since the defeat to Watford a few weeks ago – as does veteran midfielder Michael Carrick.

There’s still no spot for summer signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The Armenian arrived from Borussia Dortmund in the summer but has yet to make an impression at Old Trafford after struggling with injuries and form.

Former striker Van Persie, remembered fondly by United’s supporters for his part in their last title success, is expected to lead the line for Fenerbahce.

The game kicks off at 8.05.

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