Europa League rule gives Manchester United the green light to consider wildcard options

Manchester United's players stepped up their preparations for Thursday night's Europa League clash with Fenerbahce in Turkey by training in front of the media at Carrington on Wednesday morning.

United's players are scheduled to fly to Turkey later today and manager Erik ten Hag will host his pre-match press conference this evening.

The Reds will be determined to build on Saturday's 2-1 win over Brentford in Istanbul and secure their first Europa League triumph of the season. They drew their opening two matches prior to the international break.

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However, injury issues have started stacking up again for United in recent weeks, particularly in midfield. Mason Mount, who has missed the last three games, was not spotted training with the main group on Wednesday morning, while Kobbie Mainoo is also sidelined through injury and Bruno Fernandes is banned for the clash with Jose Mourinho's side.

While it is highly likely that Manuel Ugarte, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro could form United's three-man midfield in Turkey, senior options beyond those three aforementioned players are currently non-existent, meaning Ten Hag might have to tap into the club's academy for reinforcements.

Young midfielders Sam Mather and Ruben Curley were spotted training with the main group on Wednesday and could be in included in the travelling squad that will be announced later today. Jack Fletcher was on the bench, of course, against Brentford on Saturday after another academy graduate, Toby Collyer, was ruled out.

Europa League rules allow clubs