Manchester United failed to secure their first UEFA Europa League victory of the current campaign after a 1-1 draw against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United had failed to win their opening two games of the UEFA Europa League with United drawing 3-3 against FC Porto in Portugal and 1-1 against FC Twente at Old Trafford and that run has continued.
With ex-United manager Jose Mourinho playing his former side, this looked to be a banana skin for the Red Devils and that proved to be the case in Turkey.
Christian Eriksen scored the solitary goal for the Red Devils in what is beginning to be a major renaissance for the Danish midfielder, but it wasn’t enough for victory after Youssuf En-Nesyri scored a second-half equaliser.
Christian Eriksen continues his brilliant turnaround
During the 2024 summer transfer window, Eriksen looked set to be leaving Old Trafford with Ajax one of the sides rumoured to be keen on the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder.
However, in recent weeks, Eriksen has proven to be a vital part of the United first team for Ten Hag with the Dane netting a sumptuous goal from outside of the penalty box which rifled into the top corner.
Unlike last season, Eriksen more than held his own on a European away ground and thoroughly deserves his spot in the United first team.
Andre Onana continues great form despite United draw
This season has proven to be a standout one for Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana, who has made some outstanding saves during the current campaign.
Despite Eriksen firing United ahead in the first half, the former Inter Milan and Ajax goalkeeper had to make a number of brilliant saves to deny the Turkish giants from equalising in the first half.
Fenerbahce did equalise in the second half but the experienced goalkeeper was not at fault for that goal and put in a brilliant performance.
United’s European struggles continue
Despite United going ahead in Turkey, the Red Devils were perhaps a tad fortunate to be ahead at half-time with Mourinho’s side knocking on the door but Onana stood firm.
However, former Sevilla striker En-Nesyri, who has been the scourge of United in the past, headed in a brilliant equaliser past the Cameroon international.
Similar to the frantic draw in FC Porto, United had control of the game but the Turkish side fought their way back into the match and Fenerbahce felt they should have had a penalty.
Manuel Ugarte impresses in Europe
Since Manuel Ugarte’s £55 million move to United from Paris Saint-Germain, the Uruguayan has been fighting to prove himself for the Red Devils.
Ugarte has been criticised by the English media but the former Sporting Lisbon midfielder has struggled to acclimatise himself to the Premier League and indeed England but that changed against Fenerbahce
It was a brilliant block on the line to prevent a certain goal from the midfielder in the first half, which was a moment of brilliance, and Ugarte was everywhere trying to keep Fenerbahce at bay and could well have had his breakthrough moment at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s team selection did not work
There were a few eyebrows raised once United released their team selection onto social media with defender Noussair Mazraoui appearing to play as an attacking midfielder.
United lined up in a back three with more emphasis on defending resolutely and not allowing Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, who are known for being deadly on the counterattack, to do that.
However, whilst Fenerbahce did not have many counterattacking opportunities, the Turkish side were dominant in possession at times and didn’t allow United to grow into the game.
Ten Hag received praise over the weekend for the victory over Brentford but this was a performance that will see the Dutchman crashing back down to earth.
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