Manchester United played out a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce and are now three games without a win in the UEFA Europa League. It was an end-to-end game in Istanbul, and Erik ten Hag has work to do to get the team's European campaign going.
The Red Devils took the lead in the 15th minute when Christian Eriksen finished off a slick attacking move. The Dane buried the ball home thanks to Joshua Zirkzee's assist, taking his tally to two goals and three assists in three Europa League outings.
Marcus Rashford was close to adding a second in the 23rd minute, gliding his way into the box but striking just wide of the post with his left foot. The Reds were putting in an excellent performance and looked comfortable.
Fenerbahce grew into the game and looked to respond, but Manuel Ugarte's spectacular block prevented Dusan Tadic from equalising. The Uruguayan threw his body to the ground and stuck out a goal-saving leg.
Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri somehow failed to draw the hosts level because of a remarkable double save from Andre Onana. The United shot-stopper first denied En-Nesyri's header down low before quickly rising to tip the follow-up over the bar—a stunning piece of goalkeeping.
Jose Mourinho was visibly stunned on the touchline as Onana ensured the visitors headed in at half-time 1-0 up. Erik ten Hag needed his troops to stay focused heading into the second half in Istanbul.
Manchester United's focus was non-existent, and they failed to keep their lead just four minutes into the second half. A sweeping cross from former Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin found En-Nesyri, who headed home to an equalizer and finally beat Onana.
Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof were caught napping at the back, allowing the hosts back into the game. The duo's defending was shambolic.
Fenerbahce screamed for a penalty a few moments later, but their protests fell on deaf ears. Jose Mourinho was furious and sent off for his antics on the touchline, typical of the Portuguese.
Both teams tussled to try and take the lead as the second half headed into the latter stages. Alejandro Garnacho showed persistence on the left and tested Dominik Livakovic with a low-driven effort in the 83rd minute.
Manchester United vs Fenerbahce Player Ratings
Andre Onana - 8/10 (Man-of-the-Match)
The Cameroonian concerned fans when he said he would take more risks this season. Little did we know he meant showing a dramatic improvement and becoming, without a doubt, one of Europe's best goalkeepers on current form. His double save was arguably better than his masterclass against Crystal Palace earlier this season.
Diogo Dalot - 6/10
The change in position for Dalot is telling as he's back in his preferred right-back position and looked much more calmer. He tucked into central defence when the Reds ventured forward to form a back three and his adaptability continues to impress.
Matthijs de Ligt - 7/10
The Dutch defender looks to have turned a corner as of late, putting in an assured performance at the back. He was also a threat going forward and dominated in the air up against En-Neysri. The summer signing from Bayern Munich was faultless, unlike his fellow defenders.
Victor Lindelof - 5.5/10
The veteran Swede fared well next to De Ligt but showed a lapse in concentration to allow En-Nesyri to pounce moments into the second half. He has to show more composure if he's to continue in the starting XI.
Lisandro Martinez - 5.5/10
After making a bright start at left-back in the first half he was left stranded for En-Nesyri's equaliser. The Argentine is enduring a difficult season and doesn't look as confident as he was before his injury-plagued second campaign with the club.
Manuel Ugarte - 6.5/10
Did unbelievably well to deny Tadic from equalising with a world class block. He was constantly putting ut fires in the middle of the park with consistent tackles. The only problem was his passing, perhaps a flaw fans will have to get used to.
Christian Eriksen - 7/10
The Dane has been an unlikely standout performer for the Reds so far this season and took his goal with aplomb tonight. He also was superb in possession, always looking to pick a man out while also working his socks off in the middle of the park.
Noussair Mazraoui - 6/10
There was a collective frown around the football world when Ten Hag named Mazraoui in the No.10 role. The Moroccan right-back took his time getting used to the role but did play his part. He played the ball to Zirkzee for Eriksen's goal and went close in the second half with an attempt.
Alejandro Garnacho - 7/10
Given the left flank role over Marcus Rashford and the Argentine teenager was a constant threat. He showed several moments of brilliance breaking forward but couldn't make the most of his chances.
Joshua Zirkzee - 5.5/10
The under-fire Dutch forward got into promising positions and also did well to assist Eriksen. That said, he was wasteful, not making the most of counter attacks and perhaps struggling with confidence.
Marcus Rashford - 7/10
Was always looking to make something happen everytime he got on the ball including some impressive runs into the box. The English forward went extremely close in the first half and Fenerbahce's defenders struggled to deal with his unpredictability.
SUBS
Rasmus Hojlund - 5/10
The in-form Danish striker entered the fray in the 55th minute and looked up for the occasion. He didn't really get a foothold in the game and a right-footed effort gave Livakovic little problem.
Casemiro - 6/10
The Brazilian helped control proceedings in midfield but he's glaringly lost a yard of pace.
Antony - 5/10
Fairly ineffective until forced off with an unfortunate injury in the 88th minute.
Amad Diallo - N/A
Ten Hag should be asked why the Ivorian didn't start while Mazraoui is used as a No.10.
What next for Manchester United after Fenerbahce draw?
Next up for Ten Hag's United is a trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham United. Both the Dutch coach and the Hammers' Julen Lopetegui are under pressure amid disappointing starts to the season for their respective clubs.