Jose Mourinho suggested that he might be ready to step away from European football after his dismissal during Fenerbahce’s Europa League draw with Manchester United.
All eyes were on the Portuguese manager as he faced his former club, whom he led to Europa League glory in 2016-17 during his two-and-a-half-year tenure at Old Trafford. The evening ended in controversy as referee Clement Turpin sent Mourinho to the stands.
The result marked United’s third consecutive draw in the restructured Europa League competition, coming exactly one year after their last European victory against Copenhagen. The Red Devils now sit 21st out of 36 teams in the new group phase format.
United manager Erik ten Hag reflected on the outcome, saying: “From two tough away games, Porto and Fenerbahce, we take two points, which is a result.” However, he expressed disappointment at his team’s defensive lapse: “When you are taking the lead, and especially the way you can see the goal, starting with the free-kick played straight in our block. It shouldn’t happen.”
The Dutch manager also pointed to missed opportunities that could have sealed victory for his side. “Then it’s like a simple one cross and a goal. After that and also before that, we had chances to make a second goal, so 2-0 up or afterwards 2-1, but we didn’t take our chances.”
Ten Hag highlighted specific chances, noting: “First half, Rashy [Marcus Rashford] had a good chance. The second half also for Rashy, when the final pass then came on the right foot for him. That’s of course a pity, and then you are disappointed that you don’t win.”
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