Football
ESPN staff 7y

Fenerbahce forced into emergency landing on way to Manchester

Fenerbahce were forced to make an unscheduled landing in Budapest en route to Thursday's Europa League Group A game against Manchester United at Old Trafford after a bird collided with the windscreen of their plane.

The Turkish Super Lig side published pictures on their official Twitter account alongside a statement explaining the situation.

"The Fenerbahce flight to Manchester, England was forced to make an emergency landing after a bird crashed into the cockpit windscreen," the statement read. "A second aeroplane will be sent from Istanbul to transport the travelling squad to Manchester.

"The aeroplane initially destined for Manchester ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group A Match Day 3 match, departed today at 11:00 from the Sabiha Gokcen airport. FB TV editor Fatih Demirkol was on the flight and from information we have attained from him it was a bird that hit the cockpit of the aeroplane forcing an emergency landing.

"Borajet Airlines have sent a second plane which is currently en-route to take the travelling party which included club president Aziz Yildirim to Manchester."

The club is scheduled to hold a press conference at Old Trafford at 6pm on Wednesday, followed by a training session, ahead of Thursday's Group A match.

Soon after the pictures were online Manchester United tweeted a message of support. They said: "Wishing you a safe trip for the rest of your journey to Manchester. See you soon!"

Meanwhile, United could welcome back Anthony Martial and Morgan Schneiderlin after the pair trained on Wednesday ahead of the clash.

Martial and Schneiderlin were missing from the matchday squad for Monday's 0-0 Premier League draw at Liverpool after suffering knocks in training on Saturday.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who has missed the last seven games due to a thigh problem, was also involved.

The only absentee from the session was defender Phil Jones (knee), plus goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who had been involved in an under-23s match on Tuesday evening.

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