Jose Mourinho was sent off as Fenerbahce held his former club Manchester United to a 1-1 draw in the Europa League, leaving Erik ten Hag’s side without a win in three European games this season.
Mourinho was dismissed by referee Clement Turpin after appealing for a penalty midway through the second half. The 61-year-old watched the remainder of the match from the stands.
It came just after Youssef En-Nesyri equalised for Fenerbahce, beating Andre Onana with a downward header after the Manchester United goalkeeper had denied him with a brilliant double save before half time.
United’s defending was poor and had been coming with Ten Hag’s side retreating after Christian Eriksen’s opening goal on 15 minutes, as the midfielder finished off a clinical counter-attack.
United remain without a win in the Europa League after previous draws against FC Twente and Porto. It is now a year since their last European win: a 1-0 victory against Copenhagen at Old Trafford.
Fenerbahce vs Man Utd LIVE: Latest Europa League updates
- FT! Manchester United remain without a win in Europa League after 1-1 draw
- Jose Mourinho sent off as Youssef En-Nesyri cancels out Christian Eriksen strike
- Mourinho reacts to ‘incredible’ red card: ‘Best referee in the world’
- 55’ RED CARD! Mourinho sent off for appealing for a penalty (FEN 1-1 MUN)
- 48’ GOAL! En-Nesyri equalises with header shortly after half time (FEN 1-1 MUN)
- 37’ SAVE! Onana makes brilliant double stop to deny En-Nesyri (FEN 0-1 MUN)
- 23’ BLOCK! Ugarte denies certain goal with last-ditch tackle (FEN 0-1 MUN)
- 15’ GOAL! United counter-attack and Eriksen finishes first-time (FEN 0-1 MUN)
Jose Mourinho steals the show to tell Manchester United what they’re missing
22:34 , Miguel DelaneyJose Mourinho’s red cards are usually considered acts of deflection, but Thursday night’s probably served that purpose for Erik ten Hag. A raucous game with a lot of sub-plots offered perhaps the most entertaining shows in Europe this season, if not all for good reasons or with any real pay-off.
That’s Manchester United on the pitch, and Mourinho off it. The Portuguese failed to get proper “revenge” on his old club, but then United have now failed to maximise a lead in every single Europa League game this season. This raucous 1-1 at Fenerbahce was the third draw in three, any positives again offset by obvious flaws. Youssef En-Nesyri, who ended Ten Hag’s first United European campaign when at Sevilla in 2022-23, heere ended any sense of momentum after the win over Brentford.
There was also the theatre of Mourinho being somewhat harshly sent off for complaining about how a penalty claim was dismissed. The cuts to Ten Hag’s predecessor on a step here meant there wasn’t the same scrutiny on Ten Hag’s present problems. United can’t seem to get any form going. This was actually a regression to another issue.
Jose Mourinho steals the show to tell Manchester United what they’re missing
Jose Mourinho was also adamant that Fenerbahce deserved to win the game and said his side had put in an “extraordinary performance”. United were rescued by an excellent display from goalkeeper Andre Onana, who Mourinho said was man of the match.
“They got a point against us, not us against them. We played amazing. If we play like this in the Turkish league we destroy everything because of course we played against a team with superior level than us. The Premier League has more quality, more intensity and more everything.
“I think my boys did an amazing match. Probably in England people will speak of two or three players for Manchester United who did not play, you do not know how many of us didn’t play. At the start we had four players out of the list, and we had injuries. We had to do a crazy puzzle. Our performance was extraordinary. I could not ask any more from the players.”
Jose Mourinho reacts to ‘incredible’ red card against Manchester United
22:58 , Jamie BraidwoodJose Mourinho was in vintage form as he described referee Clement Turpin as the “best in the world” after he was sent off during Fenerbahce’s draw with former club Manchester United in the Europa League.
He told TNT Sports:
“I don’t want to speak about it. [After the match] the referee told me something incredible. He said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline. I congratulate him because he is absolutely incredible. During the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on my behaviour on the bench.
“That is why he is the one of the best referees in the world!”
FULL TIME! Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
22:06 , Jamie BraidwoodOn TNT Sports, former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes says Erik ten Hag’s side are in a “terrible position” in the Europa League.
“The two results you have to say: Porto away, tough place to go, good draw. Fenerbahce away, good draw. It’s the home game that was really disappointing, the Twente game, you should be beating those teams,” he says.
United have also let a lead slip in all three of their Europa League games this season.
FULL TIME! Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
22:01 , Jamie BraidwoodSmiles before kick-off. Not sure Mourinho will be so happy now. We’ll hopefully hear from both managers soon.
FULL TIME! Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
22:00 , Jamie BraidwoodStrangely, very little happened in the game after Mourinho’s red card. The final half hour was poor after an entertaining contest until that point.
Is it a decent draw for United? Fenerbahce is always a tough place to go. But given the pressure already on Ten Hag, he probably needed more.
FULL TIME! Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:56 , Jamie BraidwoodWell that sums it up! United had a free kick just inside the Fenerbahce half. Instead of aiming for the box, they take it back to Andre Onana and the referee blows for full time.
A good result for Jose Mourinho’s side. A poor one for Erik ten Hag, with United still without a win in the Europa League.
They’ve now gone six games in a row without a win in Europe for the first time since 1981.
Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:53 , Jamie Braidwood90+4 mins: Fenerbahce have the ball down in the corner, but throw it straight out of play. One last chance for United?
Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:52 , Jamie Braidwood90+3 mins: Eriksen’s cross is headed away and Mazraoui blazes well over from the edge.
Not long to go.
Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:51 , Jamie Braidwood90+2 mins: Terrible challenge from Muldur on Amad, flying in and getting nowhere near the ball. That’s a clear yellow card and gives United a free kick in a good position on the corner of the box.
Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:49 , Jamie Braidwood90 mins: Antony is carried off. There will be five added minutes to play.
Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:47 , Jamie Braidwood87 mins: Antony tries to carry on, realise he can’t, signals to come off, and throws himself onto his back.
Amad Diallo will be on shortly. Antony looks like he requires a stretcher.
Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:44 , Jamie Braidwood85 mins: Oof. A poor backpass from Muldur almost puts Fenerbahce in trouble. Hojlund was eagerly trying to close it down but Livakovic got out well and booted clear.
Antony has gone down on the far side.
Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:42 , Jamie Braidwood82 mins: The game is drawing to a close but Garnacho has kept going tonight. He wins a free-kick on the corner of the box. Eriksen to take...
He tried to sneak it through to the back post but Fenerbahce can clear.
SAVE! Another opening for Garnacho as he cuts onto his right foot - but Livakovic saves down low.
Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:38 , Jamie Braidwood78 mins: Changes too for Fenerbahce. Mourinho takes off his front three of En-Nesyri, Tadic and Saint-Maximin. The 38-year-old Edin Dzeko is among the replacements and takes the captain’s armband.
Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:35 , Jamie Braidwood76 mins: CHANCE! Good feet from Hojlund to work the ball onto his right foot and open up a sight of goal. His shot, though, is tame and easily saved.
Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:32 , Jamie Braidwood73 mins: Another change for United. Rashford makes way for Antony.
United have a very short turnaround before playing West Ham away on Sunday afternoon.
Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:27 , Jamie Braidwood68 mins: Eriksen’s corner finds De Ligt and Livakovic again has to tip the header over the bar. From the second corner, the goalkeeper misses the cross but De Ligt heads over.
Meanwhile, Mourinho is sitting on a row of steps in the crowd writing tactical instructions on a piece of paper.
Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:26 , Jamie Braidwood66 mins: It’s all United now. But Ten Hag’s side are finding it difficult to break Fenerbahce down without space in behind. Still, Garnacho and Rashford are lively and looking to take control.
SAVE! Mazraoui takes a pop from the edge of the box. Decent hit but Livakovic tips over.
Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:23 , Jamie Braidwood61 mins: United look to hit back amid the chaos of Mourinho’s red card. Rashford and Garnacho lead a break before Rashford is fouled. Eriksen takes the free-kick straight into the wall, it breaks to Rashford but Fenerbache are able to clear. Rashford almost had the beating of them.
Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:18 , Jamie Braidwood58mins: RED CARD. Wouldn’t you just know it. Jose Mourinho has been sent off for his penalty appeals.
He’s been shown a red card and will watch the reminder of the game from a platform behind the dugouts.
I didn’t see what it was exactly that led to the red card from referee Clement Turpin, but he was adament Fenerbahce should have been awarded a penalty.
(It was not a penalty).
Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:17 , Jamie Braidwood55 mins: Now, changes for United. Casemiro is on for Lindelof and Rasmus Hojlund replaces Zirkzee. Mazraoui has gone back to left back. Fenerbahce are appealing for a penalty after Ugarte got the slightest touch on Samuel in the box. There is really nothing in it but the home fans are desperate for it and the whistles have gone up a level.
Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United
21:15 , Jamie Braidwood53 mins: You can’t say United were not warned. Ten Hag’s side have dropped deeper and deeper since Eriksen’s goal, but they still could not get out to Saint-Maximin. En Nesyri scored twice against United as Sevilla won a Europa League quarter-final second leg in Spain two seasons ago.
GOAL! Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United (EN-NESYRI 49’)
21:08 , Jamie BraidwoodNothing Onana could do about that! Fenerbahce get a deserved equaliser and it had been coming!
It’s poor defending from United. Dalot can’t get close to Saint-Maximin on the wing. He picks out a curling cross and finds En-Nesryi in the middle, as the striker ghosts in between Lindelof and Martinez. And this time he beats Onana, keeping his header low. Nothing the goalkeeper could do.
Game on!
HALF TIME! Fenerbahce 0-1 Manchester United
21:04 , Jamie BraidwoodA nice moment as Mourinho and Onana shake hands in the tunnel. Mourinho was grinning and he still can’t believe Fenerbahce aren’t level.
We’re back underway!
HALF TIME! Fenerbahce 0-1 Manchester United
20:48 , Jamie BraidwoodEntertaining half. United lead thanks to Christian Eriksen’s strike and Andre Onana’s brilliant double save to deny Youssef En-Nesyri. Manuel Ugarte also had to make a sensational last-ditch block to deny Dusan Tadic.
Jose Mourinho does not know how his side aren’t level.
Fenerbahce 0-1 Manchester United
20:47 , Jamie Braidwood45 mins: Good game management from Manchester United to slow the game down. One minute added on.
Fenerbahce 0-1 Manchester United
20:41 , Jamie Braidwood39 mins: Fenerbahce are pilling the pressure on now. United are looking to get into half time ahead.
United are currently grateful to Onana for keeping them there.
Fenerbahce 0-1 Manchester United
20:38 , Jamie Braidwood36 mins: SAVE! AND AGAIN! This is brilliant from Onana! What a double-save! Jose Mourinho can’t believe it.
The United goalkeeper first denies En-Nesyri’s downward header from six yards out, that kicked off the turf. Tadic then flicked the ball back to En-Nesyri but Onana managed to get back to his feet and tip the stiker’s header over the crossbar with a big left hand!
Sensational. Mourinho holds his head in his hands on the touchline.
Fenerbahce 0-1 Manchester United
20:38 , Jamie Braidwood36 mins: Chance! Better from Fenerbache. Saint-Maximin gets down the outside and fires a low cross into the box. It finds En-Nesyri but Lindelof makes a vital challenge to get a touch on it.
Corner.
Fenerbahce 0-1 Manchester United
20:36 , Jamie Braidwood34 mins: Martinez does well initially to step in and intercept, but he then gives a poor pass away. Saint-Maximin looks lively as he beats Dalot but United scramble away. Ugarte then cleans up as he breaks up another attack.
Fenerbahce 0-1 Manchester United
20:32 , Jamie Braidwood30 mins: United look so dangerous whenever they can find Garnacho. Ten Hag’s side are well set up now to hit Fenerbache on the counter-attack.
And the Turkish team look poor in possession.
Fenerbahce 0-1 Manchester United
20:29 , Jamie Braidwood27 mins: That’s two key moments for Ugarte in this game, first to break up play and set United’s counter-attack on its way in the lead up to Eriksen’s goal, then to prevent one at the other end with some brilliant defending.
It’s what United paid for.
Fenerbahce 0-1 Manchester United
20:26 , Jamie Braidwood23 mins: WHAT A BLOCK! United are cut open and it looks to be a certain goal as Onana palms out Szymanski’s cross. But Ugarte slides in and wins his tackle to deny Tadic just four yards out!
United were beaten by one diagonal pass through to Szymanski. Ugarte saved them.
Fenerbahce 0-1 Manchester United
20:24 , Jamie Braidwood22 mins: CLOSE! Just wide from Rashford, after a lovely run cutting inside from the right! He drops his shoulder and opens up the shot on his left foot. He keeps his shot low but it fades past the post, as close as you can get.
Fenerbahce 0-1 Manchester United
20:22 , Jamie Braidwood20 mins: Dusan Tadic remains an opponent you don’t want to let cut onto his left foot but the 35-year-old is allowed to do so on the edge of the box. His shot is straight at Andre Onana, however.
GOAL! Fenerbahce 0-1 Manchester United (ERIKSEN 15’)
20:16 , Jamie BraidwoodNOW THAT’S A STUNNING GOAL!
United lead with a brilliant counter-attacking goal! Ugarte breaks up the play in midfield and United spring forward through Garnacho. The winger takes off and feeds a ball into the box. There’s two clever touches from Zirkzee and then Mazraoui, laying it off to Eriksen.
And the Dane makes no mistake. First time, he strikes a fine finish high into the net. Great goal, from United’s first real attack.
Fenerbahce 0-0 Manchester United
20:15 , Jamie Braidwood13 mins: It’s Fenerbahce’s game now. Mourinho’s side are playing through United’s press with ease. Szymanski drives forward from midfield and is tugged back by Rashford, who is booked.
Fenerbahce 0-0 Manchester United
20:11 , Jamie Braidwood9 mins: There’s a horribly loose pass from Amrabat in midfield but Fenerbahce get back and cut out Rashford’s cross.
Saint-Maximin then leads the breakaway and suddenly Fenerbahce have several yellow shirts flying forward.
Saint-Maximin is forced out by Martinez, who defended well there in his box.
Fenerbahce 0-0 Manchester United
20:08 , Jamie Braidwood6 mins: Chance! Great work by Fred, against his former side, as he eases away from Eriksen. He finds the overlapping Samuel on the outside but the full-back can’t produce a dangerous cross.
Saint-Maximin keeps up the pressure as Dalot pokes away for a Fenerbahce corner.
Fenerbahce 0-0 Manchester United
20:06 , Jamie Braidwood4 mins: Mourinho has clearly relished this week but he’s under pressure too tonight after a mixed start to the season.
United have controlled the early stages.
Fenerbahce 0-0 Manchester United
20:03 , Jamie Braidwood2 mins: Mazraoui is indeed in an advanced midfield position, ahead of Ugarte and Eriksen and being Zirkzee. Mourinho callled for the home fans to be loud and they have answered his call. It’s incredible.
Fenerbahce 0-0 Manchester United
20:00 , Jamie BraidwoodKICK-OFF!
It’s been over a year since Manchester United last won in Europe. It could be their worst run in 41 years if they don’t win tonight!
We’re underway in Istanbul. There are loud whistles for the United huddle. Martinez is captain with Fernandes suspended.
Fenerbahce vs Manchester United
19:55 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United are without a win in this season’s Europa League after draws against FC Twente and Porto.
Can Erik ten Hag’s side get three points tonight? Or will Jose Mourinho find a way to pile the pressure on his former club?
Kick-off is next. It’s going to be loud!
Mourinho names Europa League favourites - and it’s not Fenerbahce
19:55 , Jamie BraidwoodJose Mourinho also declared that Manchester United and Tottenham, two of his former clubs, are clear favourites to win the Europa League this season.
“The results Man Utd is having, then the potential of the team, that is high, the two draws in the Europa League do not favour us, but doesn't make a huge difference.
At the end of the day, this new format, the top teams will always qualify, no problem for top teams to lose three or four matches out of eight, but then they will win three or four and qualify easily.
“They're in a stable situation. Which are the two biggest candidates to win it? It's easy, Man Utd and Tottenham. It's a different level of quality, pace, tactical culture, a different level of everything.”
Jose Mourinho’s final thoughts ahead of facing Manchester United
19:50 , Jamie BraidwoodJose Mourinho, speaking to TNT Sports.
“I feel good. Of course I would love an easier draw, especially this one against a very good Premier League team that is a different level.
“There were so many Champions League matches on Tuesday and Wednesday that were not as good as this one can be. Let’s try to win it.
“They were good [against Brentford]. As I say, when I analyse the team I can see the work that he [Ten Hag] is doing. Tactically they know what they want to do.
“They have certain dynamics that can be difficult to identify, we have to focus on the movements and not the players. We have tried to prepare them for this.
“We need support [from the crowd]. The Turkish culture can go in both directions. Hopefully they understand it is a difficult match for us and United will have the ball.
“We are missing a lot of players, players in different positions. When I see people moaning about the Manchester United players not there, I think, they should not be moaning.
“But I was also moaning when I was there!”
Manchester United expecting to face ‘hostile’ atmosphere
19:42 , Jamie BraidwoodErik ten Hag, speaking to TNT Sports, on what he will expect to face against Fenerbahce and Jose Mourinho tonight.
“The atmosphere will be very loud for sure, very hostile for sure,” he said.
“But we know the style, we know the style of the manager. He will play from the underdog position, he will play counter-attacks and he can do that very good.
“We have to be prepared for it, read the game and play it smart.”
Erik ten Hag confirms Rasmus Hojlund rested ahead of West Ham
19:35 , Jamie BraidwoodErik ten Hag adds that Rasmus Hojlund is still “building” his fitness and has dropped to the bench tonight ahead of the West Ham game on Sunday. The striker scored in the 2-1 win over Brentford but is replaced by Joshua Zirkzee in one of four changes.
“Rasmus is just returning from a big injury and we have to build him. We want to avoid him getting injured again and Sunday is another big game.”
Erik ten Hag confirms Noussair Mazraoui will play at No 10
19:24 , Jamie BraidwoodErik ten Hag confirms that Noussair Mazraoui will play in the No 10 position for his side tonight, in place of the suspended Bruno Fernandes.
He told TNT Sports: “We have injuries, we have a suspension. We had to be a bit creative. We have players who have a short turnaround to West Ham [on Sunday] so we had to make changes there. It’s not so different because we want to keep the consistency. We have Christian [Eriksen] and Manu [Ugarte].
“We bring Mazraoui into the No 10 position. I know him from before, at Ajax, and sometimes I played him there as well. Sometimes as a full-back he comes into the half-spaces. He is capable of doing this job.”
Jose Mourinho offers support to under-fire Erik ten Hag
19:15 , Jamie BraidwoodJose Mourinho did not criticise under-fire United boss Erik Ten Hag as he talked up the quality at his disposal, with the Portuguese’s fondness for his old club and Premier League life palpable.
“Maybe you English guys think I’m bluffing, you think I am playing how they used to call it ‘mind games’ or whatever,” he said in his press conference. “I’m not playing anything.
“They have a better team than the results are showing. Of course, I study them the maximum I could with my staff, my analysts. We watch everything in the Premier League, watch everything in the two matches - Twente and Porto.
“There is work there. They will succeed sooner or later, hopefully sooner and hopefully before one day I go back to the Premier League and they become my opponent.”
Erik ten Hag was out early applauding the United fans who have made the trip to Istanbul.
Fenerbahce vs Manchester United team news and line-ups!
18:57 , Jamie BraidwoodInteresting... it that a back five from Erik ten Hag? He starts Matthijs de Ligt, Victor Lindelof, and Lisandro Martinez, as well as Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui. There is a chance Mazraoui is asked to play further forward, though.
Casemiro is only fit enough for the bench with Manuel Ugarte and Christian Eriksen in midfield. Joshua Zirkzee returns to the startling line-up with Rasmus Hojlund dropping out. Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford are on the wings.
Meanwhile there are plenty of familiar faces in Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce team. There are told ex-United players in Fred and Sofyan Amrabat, while Allan Saint-Maximin, Dusan Tadic and Caglar Soyuncu are ex-Premier League.
Fenerbahce vs Manchester United team news and line-ups!
18:51 , Jamie BraidwoodFenerbahce XI: Livakovic; Muldur, Djiku, Soyuncu, Osayi-Samuel; Amrabat, Fred, Szymanski; Tadic, En-Nesyri, Saint-Maximin
Manchester United XI: Onana, Lindelof, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Mazraoui, Ugarte, Garnacho, Eriksen, Rashford, Zirkzee
Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Amass, Ogunneye, Casemiro, Amad, Antony, Hojlund, Wheatley
Jose Mourinho’s record against Manchester United
18:45 , Jamie BraidwoodJose Mourinho has faced Manchester United 24 times as a manager, and has only faced Barcelona (31) and Liverpool (27) more.
His record is pretty good, with 10 wins, nine draws and only five defeats across his spells with Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid and Tottenham.
He, of course, faced United more often with Chelsea, with 14 meetings across his two spells with the Blues. He only lost one of those games, in 2005-06, and that was when Cheslea won the league anyway.
His victory with Porto at Old Trafford in early 2004, over 20 years ago now, remains iconic, as Mourinho sprinted down the touchline to announce himself to the world.
Manchester United’s record in Turkey
18:30 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s been 14 years since Manchester United’s last victory in Turkey - a 3-0 victory over Bursaspor in the group stages of the Champions League. They have since faced Galatasaray twice, Fenerbahce and Istanbul Basaksehir without winning.
Last season brought a dramatic 3-3 draw with Galatasaray in United’s shambolic Champions League group stage campaign. Their previous visit was an embarrasing defeat to Buyuksehir under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer four years ago.
United last faced Fenerbahce in the group stages of the 2016/17 Europa League, which actually came under Jose Mourinho. Although United lost 2-1, they were already through and went on to win the tournament that season.
Familiar faces in the Fenerbahce team
18:15 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s not just Jose Mourinho who Manchester United will be up against tonight. The Fenerbahce team includes former United players in Fred and Sofyan Amrabat.
There are also plenty of former Premier League players, such as Allan Saint-Maximin, Dusan Tadic, Edin Dzeko, Caglar Soyuncu and Cenk Tosun. A real Motley Crew.
What if Jose Mourinho had succeeded Alex Ferguson in 2013?
18:00 , Miguel DelaneyIt was perhaps the first sign of things to come: failure for Manchester United, frustration for Jose Mourinho. And this was way before the Portuguese actually went to the club. That febrile period from 2016 to 2018 is obviously going to be brought up a lot as Mourinho’s Fenerbahce take on his old club in the Europa League on Thursday, but of more interest is perhaps what happened in May 2013. And, what might have happened.
What if Jose Mourinho had succeeded Alex Ferguson? Man Utd’s alternative history
Jose Mourinho reacts to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd contract being terminated
17:45 , Jamie BraidwoodJose Mourinho maintains Sir Alex Ferguson has something more precious than his ambassadorial role after Ineos terminated his £2m contract as part of its cost-cutting drive.
Sir Alex has pocketed the annual sum each year since stepping down as manager in 2013, but the move by Ineos, owned by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has raised eyebrows.
Amicable talks were held to end the existing deal between the legendary former manager, who will retain a role as a non-executive director, and club officials, but Mourinho, who will face his former club in the Europa League on Thursday, maintains the Scot retains something more important.
Jose Mourinho reacts to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd contract being terminated
Jose Mourinho claims his Manchester United team could still win title
17:30 , Jamie BraidwoodWith City facing a hearing into over 100 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules, over a nine-year period that included Jose Mourinho’s spell in charge of United, he could not resist a reference to the 2017-18 season.
Mourinho said when reflecting on his time in Manchester: “We won Europa League, finished second in the Premier League. I think we still have a chance to win that league, because maybe they punish Man City. Maybe we win that league, then they have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal!”
City deny all charges and announced their “surprise” when they were referred to the independent commission last February.
Jose Mourinho in box-office form at pre-match press conference
17:15 , Jamie BraidwoodJose Mourinho joked that he could still win a Premier League title with Manchester United - should rivals Manchester City face retrospective punishment for alleged financial breaches.
Mourinho, now in charge of Fenerbahce, faces his former club in the Europa League on Thursday night and was inevitably asked about his eventful two-and-a-half year spell in charge at Old Trafford during the pre-match press conference in Istanbul.
The Portuguese won the League Cup and Europa League in his first season with United and finished runner-up in the Premier League the year after, although 19 points behind Pep Guardiola’s 100-point champions.
Mourinho, who won three Premier League titles across two spells at Chelsea, would later claim that guiding United to second place in 2017-18 was “one of the best jobs of my career” because of “what was going on behind the scenes” after he was sacked midway through the following season.
Jose Mourinho claims his Man Utd team could still win title ‘if Man City punished’
Odds
Fenerbahce win 2/1
Draw 35/13
Manchester United win 7/5
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Prediction
Fenerbahce 2-2 Manchester United
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Predicted line-ups
17:04 , Jamie BraidwoodFenerbahce XI: Livakovic; Djiku, Soyuncu, Becao, Muldur; Amrabat, Fred; Tadic, Szymanski, Saint-Maximin; En-Nesyri.
Manchester United XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Casemiro, Eriksen; Garnacho, Zirkzee, Rashford.
What is the Manchester United team news?
17:02 , Jamie BraidwoodBruno Fernandes is suspended after his sending off against Porto, while Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are among those sidelined by injury. Casemiro appeared to suffer a knock at the weekend and may be a doubt.
When is Fenerbahce vs Manchester United?
17:01 , Jamie BraidwoodFenerbahce vs Manchester United is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Thursday 24 October at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage from 7pm BST. Subscribers can stream via discovery+
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Good evening
17:00 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United encounter a familiar foe as Erik ten Hag and his side take on Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
The Portuguese manager, who guided the visitors to Europa League triumph in 2017, is in his first season in Istanbul and has made a solid start, with just one defeat from the first eight league games.
In this competition, meanwhile, the Turkish club have a haul of four points, two more than Manchester United, who have failed to impress in draws with Twente and Porto.
A win would ease the pressure somewhat on the under-fire Ten Hag as he looks to make improvements on the pitch.
