FENERBAHCE fans have moved one Manchester United player to tears with a hero’s welcome.
Erik ten Hag’s men are in Turkey tonight as they continue their Europa League campaign.
The Dutchman continues to fight for his job after a dismal start to the new season.
Ten Hag has selected Andre Onana between the sticks for the showdown in Turkey.
But it was United’s backup keeper Altay Bayindir feeling the love from home fans during the warm-ups.
The stopper spent four years playing for Fenerbahce before heading to the Premier League in 2023.
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Bayindir has struggled to break into the first team at United, where he has been backup to Onana for the past 16 months.
The 26-year-old was a fan favourite during his time in Turkey, with Fenerbahce fans keen to salute him ahead of the game.
The usually hostile Sukru Saracoglu Stadium is renowned as a difficult place for away players to come.
But an emotional Bayindir enjoyed a huge ovation from the ultras as he strode out into familiar territory, blowing kisses to the crowd.
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As he applauded the fans, a child vaulted the advertising hoardings and ran onto the field to hug him.
Fenerbahce Director of Football Mario Branco also presented the keeper with a bouquet of flowers to celebrate his return.
Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker
MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.
Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.
Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.
But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.
SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…
Andre Onana – 7
Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.
His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6
Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.
Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.
Victor Lindelof – 4
Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.
Hauled off in the 54th minute.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.
Christian Eriksen – 7
Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.
Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6
Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.
Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.
Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.
Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.
Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute.
It turned out to be honours even in Turkey as United were held to a 1-1 draw.
Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho saw red in a feisty encounter, just moments after being left stunned by an Onana double save.
Bayindir joined Fenerbahce from Ankaragucu in July 2019.
He instantly made the No. 1 shirt his own, racking up over 100 appearances for the club over the next four seasons.
The stopper helped Fenerbahce to the Turkish Cup in 2023, before his £4.3 million deadline day move to Old Trafford.
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Bayindir penned a four-year deal at the Theatre of Dreams.
He made his United debut in January’s 4-2 FA Cup win over Newport County.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
