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Manchester United’s hunt for a first UEFA Europa League win this season goes on following a 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday night.
Erik ten Hag’s side got off to the perfect start at the Sukru Saracolglu Stadium, as Christian Eriksen rounded off a fine United move to fire the visitors into the lead in the 14th minute.
However, they failed to press home their advantage and were pegged back just after the half-time break, when Youssef En-Nesyri headed home from close range to level the scoreline.
Chances fell to Matthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford in the final third of the game, but United were unable to find a late winner against the side managed by Jose Mourinho — who was sent to the stands on the hour mark.
As such, the Red Devils sit on just three points from their first three Europa League games this season, with big tests to come against PAOK, Rangers and Bodo/Glimt.
Despite being winless in the competition so far, they currently sit 21st in the Europa League table, which would be enough to qualify for the knockout phase play-offs.
Positives
United proved to be very dangerous on the counter, breaking with speed down the flanks through Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. Indeed, it was through a quick breakaway that Eriksen scored the game’s opening goal, which saw Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee, and the Dane combine beautifully.
Negatives
In the absence of Harry Maguire in defence, United were very vulnerable to crosses. The speed and skill of Fenerbahce’s wingers carved out space for balls into the United box, which were seldom dealt with by Victor Lindelöf and De Ligt.
Manager rating (1-10; 10 = best)
Erik ten Hag, 5 — No Bruno Fernandes meant the Dutch manager was forced into tweaking his tactical plan somewhat, but his gamble of playing Noussair Mazraoui in the No.10 position and Lisandro Martínez at left-back did not work at all. Both looked lost at times, which was not a good look for Martinez, who deputised as United captain.
Player ratings
GK André Onana, 8 — Pulled off a stunning double save to deny En-Nesyri from close range in the first half. The 28-year-old could do very little about the Moroccan’s second-half goal, however.
DF Diogo Dalot, 6 — A solid outing from the right-back, who had the unenviable task of facing off against Allan Saint-Maximin. He stood up to the challenge fairly well for the most part and provided decent support to Rashford when going forward.
DF Victor Lindelof, 5 — The Swede made a handful of vital last-ditch interventions but could have done more to prevent Fenerbache’s equaliser. He was subbed off for Casemiro after 55 minutes.
DF Matthijs de Ligt, 6 — Was caught out positionally from time to time, especially in the first half. However, his distribution was accurate throughout the game, helping the visitors to successfully build out from the back.
DF Lisandro Martinez, 5 — Looked very uncomfortable playing at left-back. Martinez was easily beaten by his man a few minutes into the match, which pretty much set the tone for what was to come.
MF Christian Eriksen, 8 — United’s star man. The Dane controlled the game from central areas, setting the tempo with his determination to win the ball back and launch attacks. His fine long-range goal in the first half encapsulated his efforts.
MF Manuel Ugarte, 7 — While his contribution in the final third still leaves much to be desired, you cannot question the midfielder’s defensive importance. Alongside his overall work-rate, Ugarte saved a certain goal in the first half with a remarkable block inside the six-yard box.
MF Alejandro Garnacho, 7 — A constant threat down the left-hand side for United. Indeed, it was the Argentine’s penetrating run that led to Eriksen’s opener, with his general movement a particular issue for Fenerbahçe that they never quite found a solution to.
MF Noussair Mazraoui, 5 — Deployed in the No.10 position in the absence of the suspended Fernandes, Mazraoui didn’t pull up any trees. His end product, especially in dangerous areas, was very wasteful.
MF Marcus Rashford, 6 — Showed flashes of his brilliant best, but much like Mazraoui, he lacked composure in the final third — exemplified by a dreadful second-half miss from a few yards out. The England international also picked up a yellow card for a tactical foul.
FW Joshua Zirkzee, 6 — Grabbed an assist for Eriksen’s opener, but that was as good as it got for the summer arrival. For large parts of the game, he looked very isolated.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)
Casemiro (Lindelof, 55″), 6 — Steadied the ship in the centre of the park for the visitors, just when it looked like the game might be slipping away from them.
Rasmus Højlund (Zirkzee, 55″), 7 — Replaced the Dutchman and immediately added a focal point to United’s attack.
Antony (Rashford, 73″), N/R — The Brazilian was lively in spells and helped relieve pressure on the United defence, but was forced off with an injury in the final moments.
Amad Diallo (Antony, 89″), N/R — Came on for the injured Brazilian in added time.
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