Manchester United’s box office reunion with Jose Mourinho lived up to the billing, with their former manager sent off as his Fenerbahce side denied Erik ten Hag a first Europa League win of the season.
The Red Devils have made a stumbling start to the new-look competition, with a shock home draw with Twente followed by a stoppage-time goal saving them from defeat in Porto.
Christian Eriksen temporarily silenced Fenerbahce’s febrile support but old foe Youssef En-Nesyri secured a 1-1 draw against a United side that have now won just one of their last 11 European games.
But this was the Mourinho show, with his touchline dramatics straying over the mark in the view of referee Clement Turpin as the hosts sought a spot-kick.
The Portuguese, who coached United between mid-2016 and late 2018, was sent to stands for his protests after Bright Osayi-Samuel was denied a penalty following a challenge by Manuel Ugarte.
Mourinho watched from behind railings as his side held out for a point as United blew a lead on a fourth straight European trip.
It was a frustrating end to a night of unrelenting hostility in Istanbul, where full-back Noussair Mazraoui was surprisingly deployed in the number 10 role by Ten Hag.
Fred looked up for it against his former club and was involved in a move that saw Osayi-Samuel slam into the side netting rather than cross from a dangerous position.
It's the perfect start for Man United as Christian Eriksen strikes first
Fenerbahce
soccer
UEFA Europa League
Christian Eriksen
Manuel Ugarte
Man Utd
Noussair Mazraoui