Fenerbahce v Manchester United - as it happened: Jose Mourinho's men slump to second shock defeat in Europe
Relive all the action from United's Europa League clash
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.After putting four past Fenerbahce last month, Manchester United will be out for three more points tonight as they take on their Turkish opponents in Instanbul.
In a recent change in opinion, Jose Mourinho admitted he is now willing to take the Europa League more seriously - as it offers a route to the Champions League.
“My opinion changed because the rules changed and the Europa League - the winner has a direct [path] to the Champions League,” Mourinho said.
“In the last couple of years the Europa League for the big clubs has a different meaning."
Currently sat in second place in Group A on six points, tied with Feyenoord, a win this evening will see United move to nine points and put the side in a strong position for qualification.
Follow the live action below...
Please allow a moment for the blog to load...
Manchester United's Europa League results:
- Manchester United 4-1 Fenerbahce
- Manchester United 1-0 Zorya Luhansk
- Feyenoord 1-0 Manchester United
79 min: Yet another chance for the home side! It really was bread-and-butter stuff as Sen broke down the right to fire the ball across a sparse-looking United box. Lens stuck out a desperate leg and was inches away from making connection, but just couldn't quite reach it. Had he managed to do so, it would have surely been a third goal for Dick Advocaat's side.
85 min: Anthony Martial tries his luck from 25 yards out with a fairly decent effort that just sails wide of the right-hand side post. He's been one of the few United players tonight who has looked remotely interested in the game.
GOAL! Fenerbahce 2-1 Manchester United (88 min, Wayne Rooney)
You certainly can't deny the quality of the goals on offer tonight. The United captain received the ball in acres of space five yards out from the opposition box and, out of nowhere, unleashed an absolute bullet of a shot on goal. It was only headed for one spot only and that was the top left corner of the net. The keeper didn't stand a chance. Maybe he's still got it after all...
90+2 min: With two minutes of extra time left, United are now attempting to throw the kitchen sink at their opponents. They've been camped inside the opposition's half, pumping ball after ball forwards in hope of grabbing an equaliser. Their persistence pays off and they're awarded a corner kick...
90+4 min: It's fired in but Demirel asserts himself in the box and rises above the United players to claim the delivery.
FULL TIME: Fenerbahce 2-1 Manchester United
The visitors left it too little too late after slumping to another shock European defeat. Wayne Rooney's wonder strike handed the visitors a lifeline but by the home side held on to claim all three points. Mourinho's side dominated possession throughout but struggled to capitalise on this and squandered their opportunities in goal. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to be in that United dressing room right now...
After their first 17 games as Manchester United manager:
Van Gaal – W9 D4 L4 F29 A21
Mourinho – W9 D3 L5 F25 A18
Oh dear.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments