A familiar face haunted Manchester United in the Europa League on Thursday night, as former manager José Mourinho saw his Fenerbahce side battle to a 1-1 draw at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul. But the match will be remembered more for Mourinho’s theatrics than the on-field action, as the Portuguese tactician was sent off for his furious reaction to a penalty decision that didn’t go his way.
Eriksen Gives United Early Lead
United got off to an ideal start when Christian Eriksen finished off a slick team move in the 20th minute to put the visitors ahead. The Danish midfielder showed great composure to slot home after being set up by Alejandro Garnacho, Noussair Mazraoui, and Joshua Zirkzee.
But Fenerbahce grew into the game and should have equalized before halftime if not for the heroics of United goalkeeper André Onana. The Cameroonian made a spectacular double save to deny Youssef En-Nesyri from point-blank range, leaving Mourinho in disbelief on the touchline.
Mourinho Sees Red as Fenerbahce Equalize
Onana was powerless to stop En-Nesyri five minutes after the break, however, as the Moroccan striker headed in an inch-perfect cross from Allan Saint-Maximin to level the scores. Moments later, controversy struck when Bright Osayi-Samuel went down under a challenge from Manuel Ugarte in the United box.
Referee Clément Turpin waved away the penalty appeals, sending Mourinho into a rage on the sidelines. The 61-year-old berated the official and had to be restrained by his coaching staff before being shown a red card and banished to the stands.
Of course, I thought it was a penalty. But I respect the referee’s decision and I apologize for my reaction. The emotions got the better of me.
– José Mourinho, speaking to reporters after the match
United Fail to Find Winner
With Mourinho watching on from the stands, United pressed for a winner but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Fenerbahce defense. Marcus Rashford had their best opportunity, but the England forward inexplicably missed the ball completely when Diogo Dalot’s cutback left him with an open goal.
To make matters worse for United, they lost Brazilian winger Antony to what looked like a serious injury late on. The 23-year-old, who had come on as a substitute, was stretchered off the field with his hands covering his face.
Work to Do for Ten Hag
The draw leaves United third in Group D, sandwiched between Viktoria Pilzen and Elfsborg, with plenty of work still to do to qualify for the knockout stages. Manager Erik ten Hag will be satisfied with a much-improved defensive display compared to recent away outings in Europe, but questions will be asked about his lineup choices, particularly the decision to use Mazraoui in an unfamiliar attacking midfield role.
United return to Premier League action this weekend with a home match against West Ham, where Ten Hag will hope for a more clinical performance in front of goal. But on a night when their past came back to haunt them in the form of José Mourinho, the Red Devils will feel this was a missed opportunity to take control of their Europa League destiny.
