Jose Mourinho was red carded as Manchester United settled for a 1-1 draw against Fenerbache in their third Europa League fixture this season.
The Red Devils, who have been winless in their opening two games, pressed for victory in Istanbul against the Jose Mourinho-led side.
In the opening 12 minutes of the game, Fenerbache took the game to the Man United half, wielding more than 60% of the ball possession and completing more touches in the visitors’ box.
They came close to opening the score and breaking the deadlock just five minutes into the game. Nigeria international Osayi-Samuel had played a one-two with former Manchester United midfielder Dani Fred. He then burst into the United penalty area, evaded a challenge from Lisandro and then fired on goal but it hit the side netting.
The hosts also came close again two minutes later with a corner. Szymanski delivered it perfectly into the box and it fell on a platter for Dani Fred who then unleashed a powerful effort but it flew wide over goal.
Fenerbache’s dominant start to the game continued with Manchester United struggling to come off the box and stage a formidable challenge.
However, against the run of play, United raced into the lead at the quarter hour. A brilliant first concrete attacking threat from the Red Devils resulted in the goal.
Alejandro Garnacho had run up the swarth of space opened up on the left flank and then he found Noussair Mazraoui in the penalty area, who laid it to Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkzee found Christian Eriksen, who fired first time into the back of the net with a brilliant finish. Christian Eriksen’s strike saw the former Brentford player involved in four goals in United’s three matches in the competition.
United’s goal only served to heighten the pressure on the away side as Fenerbache ramped up attempts to find an equalizer. Osayi-Samuel was on the threat again for the home side. He charged down the right and found Tadic. Tadic attempted a strike on goal but his effort was effectively gathered by United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
United stayed in front until the first-half break but they could only manage only one attempt on goal. Andre Onana made a series of stunning saves to keep the Red Devils in the game as Fenerbache continued to mount pressure.
His most notable performance was a 31st-minute double save from En-Nesyri’s header to preserve United’s 1-0 lead.
Fenerbache finished the first half with five good shots with three on target.
Fenerbache finally equalized a minute before Jose Mourinho’s red card
It was a night of no-show for Manchester United and one could correctly predict Fenerbache would stage a comeback due to their superior performance.
It took the hosts just five minutes into the restart to find an equalizer. Saint-Maximin had broken on the left flank and then delivered into the box for En-Nesyri. The Moroccan, who got his double-header saved in the 31st minute finally had the better of Andre Onana this time. He got past Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof to head home Fenerbache’s equalizer.
Jose Mourinho red card: Fenerbache boss sent off for heated row with officials
Jose Mourinho stole the show in the match with his usual touchline histrionics.
Just before the hour mark, Fenerbache had a penalty appeal denied by the referee and Mourinho seemed unfazed by the decision not to be awarded the penalty. A heated row with officials ensued and he was brandished with a red card.
He will be missing from the technical area in Fenerbache’s next Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
Manchester United’s poor performance in Europe continues under Erik ten Hag
Manchester United’s poor performance in Europe continued under Erik ten Hag. The Red Devils have now drawn their first three matches in the Europa League.
Overall, they have won just one of their last 11 matches in major European competitions, drawing five and losing five.
Also, they’re now winless in six European matches, drawing four and losing two. Next on the line is a trip to West London for a Premier League tie against West Ham United before will be a home Europa League fixture against POAK on Thursday, November 7, 2024, where they will be hoping for their first win.
