Manchester United drew 1-1 against Fenerbahçe in a tense Europa League match on Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul, with former Red Devils manager José Mourinho sent to the stands during a topsy-turvy game that ended fairly with honors even. The draw, along with all of tonight’s other results, mean Manchester United end matchday three in 21st place. Fenerbahçe are a couple of points and seven places better off. Everyone down to 24th survives. Exciting, no?
Manchester United are desperately trying to build some momentum to alleviate the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag. Their form in the UEFA Europa League this season certainly requires attention. United drew both of their first two games in the competition, 1-1 at home to FC Twente and a frenzied 3-3 draw away at Porto.
Fenerbahçe left-back Jayden Oosterwolde is out with an ACL injury, so Bright Osayi-Samuel starts. Former Manchester United midfielder Fred joins another former Red Devil, Sofyan Amrabat, in midfield. Ex-Premier League players Allan Saint-Maximin and Dusan Tadic line up in attack, with Edin Dzeko, the former Manchester City striker, on the bench.
United's list of absentees continues to grow, with Bruno Fernandes suspended for this game after picking up a red card in the draw with Porto. Mason Mount would be his natural replacement in attacking midfield, but he remains out after picking up a knock. Instead, Ten Hag has gone experimental: Noussair Mazraoui, nominally a full-back, starts as the No, 10.
The hosts were the better side in the first half, Manchester United had control for most of the second. But the goals for both teams came during their less-impressive period. So the result seems fair enough on the overall balance of play, even if Fenerbahçe edge it on two big chances (Dušan Tadić and Youssef En-Nesyri, denied by Manuel Ugarte’s block tackle and André Onana’s other-worldly double-save) to United’s one (Marcus Rashford’s miscue from Diogo Dalot’s cross). Oh, and there was the Ugarte-on-Osayi-Samuel penalty shout, but you can argue among yourselves about that one. Still no win for United in this year’s Europa League, but it’s another tricky away fixture ticked off, and you can be sure Erik ten Hag will be pleased to get through it unscathed. Especially as so many eyebrows were raised before kick-off at his selection of Noussair Mazraoui as the number-ten.
Manchester United opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Christian Eriksen curled in a stunning free-kick from outside the penalty area. The goal was a beautiful piece of individual skill that showcased Eriksen's talent and ability to create something from nothing. Eriksen's goal settled the nerves of the visiting fans and put Manchester United in control of the game.
However, Fenerbahçe responded well and they were unlucky not to equalise in the 37th minute when Youssef En-Nesyri's header was spectacularly saved by Andre Onana. Onana was then forced to make a second point-blank save just seconds later from another En-Nesyri header. It was a fantastic double-save that showcased the goalkeeper's impressive reflexes and ability to stay composed under pressure.
The hosts eventually found their equalizer in the 51st minute when Youssef En-Nesyri headed home a cross from Allan Saint-Maximin to level the score. The goal came against the run of play and it brought the atmosphere at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium to life. The equalizer was well-deserved for Fenerbahçe and it set the stage for an exciting second half.
José Mourinho's Fenerbahçe were the better side in the first half, with En-Nesyri having a great chance to score, but United were able to hold on to their lead, with Eriksen’s goal giving them a well-deserved lead. Despite that, however, both sides were unable to find a winner in a tense second half, meaning United's wait for a European away win - their last came at Real Betis in the 2023 Europa League - goes on.
The game was a memorable one for fans of both clubs and it was certainly a game that lived up to the hype. Mourinho and ten Hag are two of the most successful managers in the world and they both had plenty to say after the game.
“I don’t want to speak about it,” begins José Mourinho, when asked by TNT Sports about the penalty incident and his sending off, before adding: “The referee told me something incredible … he told me at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline … I congratulate him because he is absolutely incredible … his peripheral vision during the game, at 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on the bench and on my behaviour … so that’s the explanation given … that’s why he’s one of the best referees in the world … I watched the incident, I don’t speak about the incident … they got a point against us, not us a point against them … we played amazing … if we play like this in the Turkish league we destroy everything … we played a team at a superior level than us … I think my boys did an amazing match … we had to do a crazy puzzle but our performance was extraordinary … we had a phenomenal performance … Onana saved the result … my keeper didn’t make a save … he made two impossible saves in ten seconds … he’s the most decisive player in the result … incredible … we were better than them … a good result for Man United.”
No word from Erik ten Hag, though André Onana broke cover earlier to tell TNT that “we are going back angry because we came here to win, even if we played against a very tough opponent, but we are Manchester United and it is a big disappointment.” But never mind that! Because Ed Aarons was at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium and his report has landed. Here it is! Thanks for reading this MBM. Nighty night.
It was a well-fought game with both sides having chances, but a draw was probably a fair result in the end. Fenerbahçe will be pleased with the performance and they will be hoping to build on this result in their next game. Manchester United, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the result but they will be looking to bounce back in their next game in the Europa League.
This game was a great spectacle for fans of both clubs. It was also a reminder that the UEFA Europa League is a very competitive competition with some of the best teams in the world. This match highlighted the talents of both teams, with Fenerbahçe giving United a tough test. Manchester United will need to perform better in their next match, but there is plenty of time for them to improve and make a run for the title.
The next game for Manchester United is against PAOK Salonika at Old Trafford in a couple of weeks. The Red Devils will be looking to bounce back from this disappointing draw and get their Europa League campaign back on track. It will be interesting to see if ten Hag can turn things around and get United playing at their best.
