MAN UTD keeper Andre Onana has done the seemingly impossible – and managed to render Jose Mourinho speechless.
Mourinho’s Fenerbahce took on United in a Europa League clash at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
Onana was unsurprisingly picked between the sticks by Erik ten Hag as the Dutchman continues to fight for his job.
And the stopper repaid the faith of his manager with a remarkable double save midway through the first half.
United took the early lead in the game thanks to a strike from Christian Eriksen.
But the Turkish side worked their way back into the contest, creating several clear-cut chances.
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One fell to Youssef En Nesyri, who rose highest to head a pinpoint cross towards the bottom corner.
Onana leapt brilliantly to his right to athletically palm the ball away.
The 28-year-old then sprung back to his feet, tipping the resulting close-range rebound from En Nesryi over the bar.
He was immediately mobbed by teammates, as TNT cameras honed in on Mourinho’s stunned reaction on the touchline.
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The former United boss put his hands on his head, looking around with wide eyes before laughing in disbelief.
One fan laughed on X: “Look at the shock in his eyes.”
Another said: “Those saves were actually INSANE.”
While a third joked: “New Jose meme template dropped.”
And a fourth said: “Onana with a world-class double save, I am standing up applauding.”
For others, it brought back memories of a similar Onana wonder-save in United’s visit to Crystal Palace earlier this season.
But En Nesyri finally got the better of Onana as he fired what turned out to be the eventual equaliser in a 1-1 draw.
Onana’s No.2 Altay Bayindir was feeling the love from the home fans during the warm-ups in Turkey.
The 26-year-old spent four seasons with Fenerbahce before leaving for Old Trafford last summer.
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He was met with a hero’s welcome, as one fan rushed from the stands to hug him out on the field.
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.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
