Fenerbahce and Manchester United played to a 1-1 draw in the Europa League, with a notable incident involving Jose Mourinho, who was sent off during the match. This result means that Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United side continues to struggle, as they have yet to secure a win in three European games this season.
The turning point came when Mourinho was dismissed for appealing a penalty decision in the second half, which he believed should have been awarded. He watched the remainder of the game from the stands, leaving his team with a need for a stronger defensive performance.
Fenerbahce’s Youssef En-Nesyri scored the equalizer shortly after half-time, heading the ball past United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana, who had previously made a remarkable double save to deny En-Nesyri from scoring. Christian Eriksen had opened the scoring for United in the 15th minute, finishing a counter-attack with a precise strike.
Despite holding the lead early on, Manchester United has now drawn all three of their Europa League matches this season, including previous games against FC Twente and Porto. It has been a year since their last victory in European competition.
In the post-match remarks, Mourinho expressed that Fenerbahce deserved more from the game, praising his team’s performance despite the draw. He lauded Onana’s efforts, stating that he was the standout player, while also highlighting the challenges posed by missing several key players.
Reflecting on his red card, Mourinho humorously complimented the referee, calling him the “best in the world” despite the dismissal. His theatrical departure from the touchline underscored the intensity and drama of the match, which featured numerous moments of contention.
As the competition continues, Manchester United finds itself in a precarious position and faces scrutiny for their inability to capitalize on leads in Europe. Ten Hag will need to address these issues quickly, especially with upcoming matches looming. Both teams will now look to regroup after this eventful encounter, with Fenerbahce eager to build on their performance and United in search of their first win this season in European tournaments.