Fenerbahce and Manchester United played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in Turkey on Thursday night.
The visitors seized the initiative, scoring fifteen minutes in through Christian Eriksen, who fired home just inside the box.
But the hosts got themselves back into it in the second half, courtesy of Youssef En-Nesyri, who had a number of chances in the match.
In true blockbuster fashion, Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands against his old team for his antics on the sideline.
And in the end, it was honours even in what was a very competitive affair.
Read on to discover how the action unfolded in Istanbul.
We’re held to a draw in Istanbul.#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 24, 2024
How it happened
The match began with a lively tempo, and Fenerbahce were eager to test Manchester United’s defence early on.
Bright Osayi-Samuel had a couple of early chances, with a shot narrowly missing the target after just six minutes.
Fred, playing against his former club, also came close for the home side but failed to find the back of the net.
United responded well to Fenerbahce’s early pressure.
The breakthrough came in the 15th minute, when Joshua Zirkzee orchestrated a swift counter-attack, laying the ball off to Christian Eriksen, who finished brilliantly with a right-footed shot into the top left corner, giving Manchester United a 1-0 lead.
As the first half progressed, Fenerbahce grew into the game and began to pose a greater threat, with Youssef En-Nesyri a constant danger in the box.
Man in form 🔥 pic.twitter.com/eKRIFJY103
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 24, 2024
En-Nesyri forced a double save from United goalkeeper Andre Onana with two headers in quick succession in the 37th minute.
Despite the Turkish side’s best efforts, the first half ended with United holding onto their slim advantage.
The second half kicked off with more intensity from Fenerbahce, and it didn’t take long for them to find an equalizer.
In the 49th minute, Allan Saint-Maximin whipped in a perfect cross, and En-Nesyri was on hand to power a header past Onana.
It was a deserved goal for the home side, who had been pressing hard since the restart.
United responded well after conceding, with Rasmus Hojlund, who replaced Joshua Zirkzee early in the second half, coming close to restoring their lead.
Goal. The hosts equalise.#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 24, 2024
His shot from the centre of the box in the 76th minute was well-saved by Fenerbahce’s goalkeeper, Dominik Livakovic, who was called into action several times in the second half.
As the game entered its final stages, both teams made multiple substitutions, hoping to snatch a late winner.
Fenerbahce introduced veteran striker Edin Dzeko, while United brought on Amad Diallo for Antony, who had to be substituted due to an injury.
In the dying moments of the match, tempers flared as Mert Muldur was booked for a foul on Diallo, who had just entered the fray.
Despite having five extra minutes of added time, neither side could find a decisive goal, and the match ended in a fair 1-1 draw.
