Fenerbahce and Manchester United played to a 1-1 draw in the Europa League, marking a frustrating evening for United, who are still searching for their first win in the competition this season. The match took place in Istanbul, where United’s Erik ten Hag faced pressure as his team has not secured a European victory in over a year.
Jose Mourinho, the former United manager, was sent off during the match after arguing for a penalty late in the second half. His dismissal came right before Fenerbahce equalized, with Youssef En-Nesyri scoring a well-placed header. The United defense faltered after taking the lead through Christian Eriksen’s goal in the 15th minute, which had given them confidence after a swift counter-attack.
This draw means that Manchester United remains without a win from their first three matches in this season’s Europa League, following draws against FC Twente and Porto. The result extends their winless streak in European competitions to six games, their worst run since 1981.
The highlights of the match included an impressive double save by United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana, who kept Fenerbahce at bay until the equalizer. After the match, pundits noted the disappointing home draw against FC Twente, which has placed added pressure on Ten Hag.
In a game subdued after Mourinho’s red card, Manchester United struggled to find their rhythm. Although Fenerbahce’s late-game strategy was disrupted by their own mistakes, they managed to hold on for a draw.
Post-match commentary reflected concern for Ten Hag’s future, as Fenerbahce’s performance showcased opportunities lost for United. With quick turnaround ahead of their next match against West Ham, United faces significant pressure to deliver results.