Manchester United drew 1-1 with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Wednesday night in another underwhelming Europa League display.
Erik ten Hag’s men took the lead against the run of play when Christian Eriksen fired home after fifteen minutes in the away side’s first meaningful attack.
Mourinho’s team levelled things up five minutes after half-time through Youssef En-Nesyri – and the game seemed to fizzle out from there, with neither side looking likely to go and win it.
It’s another European game without a win for United, who sit on three points after three games played.
Here are five talking points from a frustrating evening in Turkey.
United lose the lead in Europe once more
It was the fourth European game in succession where the Red Devils took the lead but failed to hold onto it.
This has become a seriously worrying trend under Ten Hag and shows no signs of abating anytime soon.
Whether it is a mental issue or just sheer carelessness, it is costing United wins in continental action.
This will have to change soon if the three-time European Champions are to progress to the knockout stages.
Christian Eriksen continues his renaissance
It was another decent performance from Christian Eriksen in midfield, crowning his night with a goal – when he confidently fired the English giants ahead early on.
The Danish playmaker has enjoyed an unexpected run in the team and has grabbed it with both hands – putting in some impressive performances this campaign.
The former Tottenham and Inter Milan star brings undeniable composure to Ten Hag’s midfield and is undoubtedly a valuable asset.
Andre Onana puts in superb shift
Andre Onana was excellent again for the Mancunians – pulling off an incredible double save to deny the Turks an almost certain goal late in the first half.
The Cameroonian was also good with his distribution, repeatedly picking out teammates with accurate passing.
It was somewhat of a redemption night for Onana, having endured a Turkish nightmare against local rivals Galatasaray 11 months ago in the Champions League.
This time, he didn’t let his side down.
Ugarte excellent in holding role
It has been a mixed start to life in Manchester for new midfielder Manuel Ugarte, with his Old Trafford career yet to ignite.
The Uruguay international was solid against Fenerbahce on Thursday, making some well-timed challenges and interceptions in a busy performance.
Coming in from the start, the 23-year-old got on the ball at times also, keeping things simple and recycling possession well, as he stuck to his task of shielding the United defence.
Hopefully, we see more of the former Paris Saint Germain enforcer in the starting XI as he settles into his new home in the North West.
Red Devils need to do more to win
Ten Hag’s troops didn’t really do enough to win the game at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium. It felt like they had another gear or two to go to but never fully got into their stride against their hard-working opponents.
Joshua Zirkzee was ineffective in leading the line and appears to be suffering from a lack of confidence at the moment – whilst the experiment of starting Noussair Mazraoui as a ‘number ten’ failed to work.
It is frustrating to be coming away without a win for the third time in the Europa League this term, and the team will have to show more – collectively and individually in the coming games.
What are your thoughts on Manchester United’s frustrating draw in Turkey?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Recent Posts
- The forgotten slow start to a glorious Manchester United campaign
- Manchester United officials retain confidence in Project 150 strategy
- Manchester United Supporters’ Club retain desire for change of ownership
