Manchester United were forced to settle for their third consecutive Europa League draw as Fenerbahce fought back to secure a 1-1 result in a heated encounter in Istanbul, marked by former United manager Jose Mourinho’s dismissal from the touchline.
Christian Eriksen had given United the lead with his fourth goal of the season before the break. However, the hosts responded strongly in the second half, with Youssef En-Nesyri equalizing four minutes after the restart, heading in Allan Saint-Maximin’s cross from close range after finding space between United’s defenders.
The atmosphere intensified when Mourinho was shown a red card by French referee Clement Turpin just before the hour mark. The Portuguese manager had vehemently protested for a penalty after Bright Osayi-Samuel went down following a challenge from United midfielder Manuel Ugarte. Despite furious protests from the Fenerbahce bench, VAR upheld Turpin’s original decision. Mourinho eventually relocated to the front of the stand adjacent to the dugouts, where he continued to relay instructions to his coaching staff.
United had opportunities to claim all three points. Substitute Rasmus Hojlund opted to shoot rather than pass to a better-positioned Alejandro Garnacho, with his effort rolling harmlessly to goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. Garnacho himself squandered another chance after losing control in a promising position.
The visitors’ evening was further soured when Antony was stretchered off following an awkward landing after attempting a flick near the touchline, adding to Erik ten Hag’s injury concerns.
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