Manchester United’s search for their first UEFA Europa League win this season continues after a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday night.
The match started positively for Erik ten Hag’s team at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, with Christian Eriksen scoring the opener in the 14th minute after a well-executed United move. Despite this early success, they were unable to capitalize further and saw their lead equalized shortly after the halftime break when Youssef En-Nesyri scored with a close-range header.
In the closing stages of the match, both Matthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford had opportunities to secure a late victory for United, but they failed to find the back of the net. The game saw Fenerbahce’s manager, Jose Mourinho, sent to the stands in the 60th minute. As a result, the Red Devils now have only three points from their first three Europa League matches this season, with tough upcoming fixtures against PAOK, Rangers, and Bodo/Glimt.
Despite their winless start, United currently ranks 21st in the Europa League table, a position that could still allow them to qualify for the knockout phase play-offs. Eriksen’s performance was notable, as he was a standout player during the match.
Positively, United displayed dangerous counter-attacks, particularly through Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, with Eriksen’s goal being a product of an effective fast break involving Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee.
On the downside, the absence of Harry Maguire exposed United’s defense to vulnerabilities, particularly from crosses, as Fenerbahce’s wingers found space to deliver dangerous balls into the box.
Manager Erik ten Hag received a rating of 5 out of 10 for his tactical adjustments, which struggled without Bruno Fernandes and saw limited success in player positioning.
Player ratings included:
– GK André Onana, 8: Made a crucial double save in the first half but couldn’t stop the second-half equalizer.
– DF Diogo Dalot, 6: Performed well against Fenerbahce’s threats but had challenges.
– DF Victor Lindelöf, 5: Provided vital interceptions but could have done more to prevent the equalizing goal.
– DF Matthijs de Ligt, 6: Showed some positional issues but maintained good distribution.
– DF Lisandro Martinez, 5: Struggled playing at left-back and was often beaten by his opponent.
– MF Christian Eriksen, 8: Dominated the game and scored a brilliant long-range goal.
– MF Manuel Ugarte, 7: Important defensively, with a crucial goal-saving block.
– MF Alejandro Garnacho, 7: Created threats on the left, leading to Eriksen’s goal.
– MF Noussair Mazraoui, 5: Did not significantly impact the game in an unfamiliar position.
– MF Marcus Rashford, 6: Featured flashes of brilliance but missed key chances.
– FW Joshua Zirkzee, 6: Assisted Eriksen’s goal but was otherwise isolated during the match.
Substitutes introduced after 70 minutes received no ratings, with Casemiro stabilizing the midfield and Rasmus Højlund adding focus to the attack before Antony was forced off due to injury.