Manchester United have sent scouts to a Europa League game to watch a player Jose Mourinho described as “perfect” and compared him to Raphael Varane.
United take on Real Sociedad in San Sebastian in the round of 16 first leg on Thursday night, but they will have also have a presence at Fenerbahce‘s clash with Rangers which kicks off at the same time.
The Red Devils played against Mourinho‘s Fenerbahce at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in the league phase back in October but according to Yagiz Sabuncuoglu of Sports Digitale, they will have scouts watching Yusuf Akcicek in action.
The 19-year-old made his debut for Fener back in November 2023 and has made 15 appearances in all competitions, including five in the Europa League.
The defender, who can play as a centre-back and left-back, scored against Anderlecht in the last round and has been tipped for a bright future in the game.
Akcicek is yet to make his senior debut for Turkey but Mourinho is already a huge believer in his talent and speaking after he played 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw with Galatasaray in February, said he thinks he can follow in Varane’s footsteps.
Yusuf Akcicek will be watched by Manchester United on Thursday. Image: Getty
“To play the kid in a match like that, 18 years old, he saved my ass,” Mourinho said in his press conference.
“He was amazing. I’m very proud of him and I trust him. He’s not perfect but he will be perfect.
“I don’t want to compare him to Rapha Varane because Rapha Varane has won four Champions Leagues, World Cup and won everything but I had Rapha Varane when he was 18 and I was not wrong. And I am not wrong with this kid. Big personality and very confident.”
Spurs also sent scouts
Spurs, another one of Mourinho’s former clubs, are reported to have sent scouts to see him up close against Antalyaspor.
However, there was not much to report on – with Akcicek not named in the starting XI as Mert Muldur got the nod.
In fact, he didn’t even get on the pitch as when Muldur was substituted, Alexander Djiku was the man who replaced him.
Akcicek has a contract until June 2028 but it appears as though he might not be at Fenerbahce for much longer.
