Manchester United faced off against Fenerbahce in their third Europa League group stage match, a highly anticipated clash that saw the return of former United manager José Mourinho, now in charge of the Turkish side. With both teams having mixed results in the competition so far, this encounter was crucial in shaping the group standings and determining who would take a significant step towards qualification for the knockout stages.
Heading into the match, Manchester United had drawn their previous two Europa League fixtures, first against FC Twente and then in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Porto. These results had put pressure on Erik ten Hag’s side to secure their first win in the group. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce had made a more promising start, winning their opening match against Union SG and sharing the points with Twente in their second fixture. Under Mourinho’s guidance, Fenerbahce were becoming a formidable force, and this match promised to be a tough test for United.
The game began with Manchester United showing intent and aggression from the opening whistle. Their efforts were rewarded in the 15th minute when Christian Eriksen found the back of the net after a well-crafted move. The Danish midfielder, whose vision and creativity have been invaluable for United, was expertly assisted by Joshua Zirkzee. Zirkzee, who has faced his share of criticism this season, delivered a brilliant pass that sliced through Fenerbahce’s defense, allowing Eriksen to calmly finish. This goal gave United a much-needed boost as they sought to control the tempo of the match.
However, Fenerbahce did not go down easily. After weathering United’s pressure in the first half, they came out with renewed energy after the break. In the 52nd minute, their persistence paid off when Allan Saint-Maximin, known for his electrifying pace and dribbling skills, made a dazzling run down the wing. He whipped in a dangerous cross, and Youssef En-Nesyri was there to meet it with a powerful header, securing his first goal of the tournament. En-Nesyri’s equalizer sent shockwaves through the United defense and shifted the momentum in Fenerbahce’s favor. With the score level at 1-1, the match became a tense and evenly balanced contest.
As the game progressed, United’s chances of finding a winner were dealt a significant blow when winger Antony, who had come on in the 73rd minute to replace Marcus Rashford, suffered what appeared to be a serious injury. In the 89th minute, the Brazilian had to be stretchered off the pitch after a challenge that left him clutching his leg in pain. The injury was a concerning sight for United fans, as Antony has struggled with fitness issues this season. He was replaced by young winger Amad Diallo, but the mood in the stadium was noticeably dampened by the sight of Antony being carried off.
The final whistle blew with the score still tied at 1-1, marking Manchester United’s third consecutive draw in the Europa League group stage. While the result kept their unbeaten record intact, the draw felt like a missed opportunity for United, especially after taking an early lead. Erik ten Hag’s men will need to regroup quickly as they look to secure their place in the knockout stages.
After the match, reports surfaced that Antony had left the stadium on crutches, further fueling concerns about the severity of his injury. Alex Crook of talkSPORT took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the worrying news, confirming that Antony was seen hobbling out of the stadium with medical assistance. The extent of his injury remains unknown, but if he is sidelined for a significant period, it could pose a serious problem for Ten Hag’s already thin squad.
For José Mourinho and Fenerbahce, the draw will feel like a hard-earned point, especially after fighting back from a goal down. Mourinho, who famously led Manchester United to Europa League glory in 2017, will have been pleased with his side’s resilience, particularly in a game that saw his team match United’s intensity and quality for long stretches. The result leaves Fenerbahce in a strong position as they continue to push for progression in the competition.
For Manchester United, however, the night was a bittersweet one. While they avoided defeat, the injury to Antony and the failure to secure three points added to the growing list of frustrations this season. United will now turn their attention to their next Europa League match, knowing that improvement is needed if they are to advance to the knockout stages and avoid further setbacks.