Christian Eriksen’s goal put United ahead, but En-Nesyri’s header salvaged a point for Mourinho’s Fenerbahce amidst red-card drama and late-game injuries.
In a Europa League showdown heavy with anticipation, Manchester United left the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium with only a point after José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce clawed back to equalise through Youssef En-Nesyri. The match saw Mourinho receive a red card for disputing a penalty decision, highlighting a dramatic night in Istanbul where emotions and injuries ran high.
The draw, United’s third consecutive in this tournament, leaves Erik ten Hag’s side in a precarious position, nestled between Viktoria Plzen and Elfsborg in the playoff race. Despite a promising start, ten Hag’s lineup choices—including the unusual deployment of Noussair Mazraoui in a forward position—left fans and pundits questioning the manager’s tactical gamble. The experiment was quickly shelved after Fenerbahce’s equaliser, but not before United had taken the lead with a polished finish by Christian Eriksen, following a swift buildup orchestrated by Alejandro Garnacho and Mazraoui himself.
An intense, unfriendly atmosphere awaited United from the outset, as Fenerbahce’s ultras recreated Istanbul’s intimidating footballing aura. The match was underscored by high stakes and even higher emotions, a fact underscored when substitute Antony was stretchered off with an injury, leaving United further depleted. Mourinho’s sideline antics took centre stage after his team’s repeated penalty pleas were dismissed, leading to his dramatic red-card exit.
Ten Hag’s initial surprise choice to rest striker Rasmus Højlund, despite his match-winning performance over Brentford the previous weekend, left United with fewer finishing options. The decision became more critical as Fenerbahce gathered momentum in the second half. Former Premier League stars, including Fred and Sofyan Amrabat, reinforced the Turkish side, adding to the drama and intensity of the match.
Fenerbahce came close to taking the lead when former QPR defender Bright Osayi-Samuel nearly found the net, but United’s André Onana was resolute, making crucial saves and preserving the scoreline. However, Onana’s efforts couldn’t stop En-Nesyri’s equalising header, fed by a pinpoint cross from Allan Saint-Maximin that ignited the Fenerbahce faithful.
As United reshuffled, adding Casemiro and Højlund to bolster their ranks, another flashpoint arose when Osayi-Samuel went down under a heavy tackle. Mourinho erupted in protest, convinced his side deserved a penalty, only to be met with a red card from referee Clément Turpin. The heated response delayed Mourinho’s departure from the pitch, adding yet another layer to the night’s spectacle.
In the closing stages, Rashford had a golden opportunity to clinch victory for United, but an unfortunate air-kick left fans groaning in frustration. The night concluded with both sides sharing the points, but for United, the result underscored the challenges they face in their quest for Europa League success.
