Manchester United Draws Former Coach Mourinho's Fenerbahce in Europa League

Manchester United will compete against José Mourinho's Fenerbahce in the Europa League under the new format. The competition now features 36 teams in a single standings format. The Europa League prize fund is 565 million euros, with bonuses for wins and advancing stages. The final will be held in Bilbao.

Manchester United will confront former coach José Mourinho's current team, Fenerbahce, among its eight opponents drawn Friday in the revised format of the Europa League.

Mourinho, who led Manchester United to their 2017 Europa League victory, now manages Fenerbahce. The fixture date in Istanbul will be confirmed by UEFA on Saturday, with the competition beginning on September 25, one week after the Champions League kicks off.

In a structural shift, the Europa League's traditional group stage has been replaced with a league phase where all 36 teams compete in a unified standings format. This change aims to offer increased revenue by pitting teams against a broader array of high-profile opponents in eight matches up until January 30.

Manchester United will face Rangers, PAOK, Bodo/Glimt, and Twente at home, while traveling to play Porto, Viktoria Plzen, and FCSB, formerly known as Steaua Bucharest. The team avoided clashes with Ajax, previously managed by current coach Erik ten Hag.

Mourinho's Fenerbahce will host Lyon and Athletic Bilbao, steering clear of Mourinho's past teams Tottenham Hotspur and Roma. Elsewhere, Tottenham's schedule includes hosting Roma and traveling to face Rangers and Galatasaray.

Rangers, the 2022 Europa League finalists, have scheduled matches against English rivals and a trip to play Nice, which is owned by Man United minority investor Jim Ratcliffe, under UEFA compliance.

Previously structured as a 48-team group stage, the Europa League now features a 32-team knockout stage. The top eight teams in January proceed to March's pre-quarterfinals, while the ninth to 24th ranked teams enter February's knockout playoffs. The lowest 12 teams are eliminated.

The final will be held on May 21 at Athletic Bilbao's stadium. The champion earns direct entry to the next Champions League. The Europa League prize fund totals 565 million euros, with individual team earnings varying based on historical performance and broadcasting deals.

(With inputs from agencies.)