Match preview for FC United of Manchester's Fenix Trophy quarter-final 2nd leg tie against Montenegro's FK Fans United at Broadhurst Park.
Founded in 2022, Fans United’s footballing manifesto shares many similarities to that of FC United, championing fan ownership and frowning upon the Glazers and Sheik Mansours of the world. Fans United aspire to achieve total transparency as far as how their fans’ money is spent, listing all expenses and allowing members to see an exact figure of what the club has to work with financially.
On the pitch, Fans United compete in the third tier of Montenegrin football, currently sitting 4th in the 3. CFL Centar (Central) division. In this their first time entering the Fenix Trophy, Fans United completed a 7-2 aggregate victory over Milan’s Brera FC in the first round.
An 87th minute winner by Rijad Dervisevic saw Fans United take the upper hand in this Fenix Trophy quarter-final tie against a youthful FC side at the FCSG Stadium on Monday night.
Fielding a starting XI including four Academy players, FC enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and attacking threat throughout the game, however would be kept out in large part thanks to a strong performance from Fans United ‘keeper, Zoran Akovic.
With just over three minutes of normal time remaining, a free-kick was floated into the FC box and steered home from the edge of the six-yard box by Dervisevic, giving Fans United a lead to protect as they prepare for the return leg in Manchester.
Watch: Full match replay of the first leg between FC United and FK Fans United in the Fenix Trophy QF (YT: Fenix Trophy TV)