Fenerbahçe vs Manchester United Review
For the third consecutive match in the UEFA Europa League this season, Manchester United squandered a lead, resulting in a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium. This outcome means they have only secured one victory in their last 11 European games. Fenerbahçe’s manager, José Mourinho, who previously won this tournament with United in 2017, was in desperate need of a win, just like his pressured counterpart Erik ten Hag.
Mourinho’s team started aggressively, aiming to press the visitors, who seemed content to absorb the pressure. This risky strategy from the Red Devils paid off in the 15th minute when they capitalized on a counterattack to take the lead with their first shot. Manuel Ugarte initiated the play by regaining possession in midfield, and the ball eventually reached Alejandro Garnacho on the left wing. His cutback found Noussair Mazraoui, surprisingly positioned in an attacking midfield role, who then set up Joshua Zirkzee, allowing Christian Eriksen to strike into the top corner.
Marcus Rashford came close to increasing United’s lead after cutting in from the right, but the Yellow Canaries quickly regained their footing. The visitors were grateful to Ugarte for maintaining their advantage, as he made a crucial block to stop Dušan Tadić’s shot on goal. Goalkeeper André Onana then performed an incredible double save to thwart two headers from Youssef En-Nesyri.
However, just four minutes into the second half, Onana was powerless to stop En-Nesyri, who scored with a header from a brilliant cross by Allan Saint-Maximin. This goal sent the already enthusiastic home crowd into a frenzy, and they were outraged when a penalty was not given after Ugarte’s challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel, leading to Mourinho receiving a red card for his protests. Tension rose moments later when Diogo Dalot broke free on the right, but despite having three teammates ready for a simple finish, the full-back overhit his cross.
As the game approached its final moments, the match was interrupted when Antony was carried off on a stretcher, leading to a lengthy delay that diminished the intensity of the game and resulted in a draw. This marks a disappointing start to the UEFA Europa League for United, who have not won in Europe for a year, while the hosts maintained their unbeaten streak in the competition.
