More stories

  • in

    Fenerbahce 1 Man Utd 1: Red Devils now 12 MONTHS without a win in Europe as fiery clash sees old boss Mourinho sent off

    THEY stepped into ‘Hell’ and came face to face with the old devil himself. But Manchester United escaped from Jose Mourinho’s lair with a point in another night of European mayhem. Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands as he faced his old sideCredit: EPAChristian Eriksen opened the scoring for Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyAmid the chaos, Mourinho was red-carded, Andre Onana pulled off a ridiculous double save and Erik ten Hag survived another tactical brainstorm despite Youssef En-Nesyri’s header cancelling out Christian Eriksen’s opener.Having conceded 17 goals on their previous five trips overseas, this was actually a pretty respectable effort from Ten Hag’s dysfunctional team – who have now drawn three out of three in the Europa League and face a battle to avoid a humiliating early elimination.  They have now failed to win in European competition for an entire year, since a 1-0 home win over Copenhagen on October 24, 2023. Istanbul has provided plenty of fire-pit nights for United both here at Fenerbahce, where they were once thumped 3-0 under Sir Alex Ferguson, and at Galatasaray, the venue for their original ‘Welcome To Hell’ trip back in the 90s. READ MORE ON MAN UTDSo despite Ten Hag fielding a full-back as a ‘false ten’ and dropping Rasmus Hojlund, they ended up relieved to avoid defeat.  Mourinho, of course, is never knowingly upstaged and the tantrum he chucked when Bright Osayi-Samuel was denied a second-half penalty earned him a place in the stands. He speaks plenty of languages, the Special One. And two of them are ‘foul’ and ‘abusive’.With Bruno Fernandes suspended after his red card in Porto, Ten Hag opted to play full-back Noussair Mazraoui as his No10 – to the bafflement of many. Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd despite his winner against Brentford on Saturday, Hojlund was benched. Ten Hag rarely does the obvious thing. But not in a good way. Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Player Ratings (1)Mourinho had been in typically mischievous form at his pre-match press conference, claiming a potential Premier League winners medal with United for the 2017-18 season when his side finished runners-up behind Manchester City – who are facing 115 League charges of financial wrongdoing.   The Sukru Saracoglu Stadium was packed and raucous well before kick-off.When United were in possession, the shrill whistling of the home crowd perforated eardrums. But it was Fenerbahce who set the early pace – especially their former Newcastle box-of-frogs Allan Saint-Maximin – all nutmegs, shoulder drops and slalom runs at the United defence.  Former QPR man Osayi-Samuel skinned Lisandro Martinez but shot into the side-netting. This was no stereotypically negative Mourinho team. And Rashford had just been booked for a foul on Sebastian Szymanski when, against the run of play, United fashioned a fine counter-attacking goal. Manuel Ugarte won possession, Alejandro Garnacho sprinted down the left and Mazraoui fed Joshua Zirkzee, who cut back for Eriksen to thump his shot into the corner of the net. Furious Jose Mourinho’s CUTTING dig at referee Clement Turpin after red card vs Man UtdJOSE MOURINHO launched a sarcastic blast at ref Clement Turpin after he was red-carded in his clash with former club Manchester United. The Fenerbahce boss saw his side fight back to earn a point as United tossed away the lead for a third successive drawn Europa League match.Mourinho was sent to the stands after raging against Turpin’s failure to award a penalty against Manuel Ugarte for a challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel.And Mourinho scowled: “The referee told me something incredible. He said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.“I congratulate him because he is absolutely incredible. During the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on my behaviour on the bench. That’s the explanation he gave me.”That is why he is one of the best referees in the world!”Rashford ought to have doubled the lead soon after, cutting inside from the right but screwing his shot just wide of the far post. But United were still having to defend with guts and with desperation – especially when Ugarte produced an outstanding sliding block to deny Dusan Tadic from close range.Mourinho was doing his conkers at this – and soon started berating the fourth official after Zirkzee went down injured. It was becoming a frustrating night for the old rogue – especially when Andre Onana decided to channel the spirit of Gordon Banks with an astonishing double save to deny En-Nesyri. First, the Moroccan centre-forward’s downward header was met with a gob-smacking tumbling stop, then the Cameroonian keeper leapt to his feet to push away a second nodded effort after Tadic had teed up En-Nesyri again. The striker grinned as if he had just fallen victim to a strange optical illusion. And perhaps he had. United led at the break but then they had often done so during their shocking recent run of European trips. 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 – 7Made 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 – 5Failed 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 – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed 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 – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won 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 – 6Didn’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 – 5Played 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 – 6Played 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 – 5A 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.Andre Onana produced a thrilling double saveCredit: APMourinho could only laugh at the goalkeeper’s heroicsCredit: TNT SportThe Red Devils stars hailed Onana as United led at the breakCredit: ReutersAntony had to be taken off on a stretcher near the endCredit: EPAMourinho had slapped Onana on the back in the tunnel at half-time but within four minutes of the restart, the United keeper was powerless to stop Fenerbahce equalising. Saint-Maximin delivered the deep cross from the left and En-Nesyri, with another downward header, managed to avoid another miracle and beat Onana at the third time of asking. In the stands, the drums were thudding, the punters were bouncing and United knew they were up against it on foreign soil yet again. Ten Hag responded by abandoning the Marzaroui ‘false ten’ experiment – bringing on Hojlund and Casemiro for Zirkzee and Victor Lindelof in a major reshuffle. Then came Mourinho’s ejection from his technical area – the Fenerbahce boss raging at an unrequited penalty appeal when Ugarte upended Osayi-Samuel. It was a decent shout followed by some indecent shouts from Mourinho, who was sent packing to the stands after a lengthy exchange of opinions with ref Clement Turpin. Would he be smuggled back into the dugout in a laundry basket, one of the tricks he used to defy a touchline ban during his Chelsea days? Rashford then skewed an excellent close-range chance and Mazraoui, despite reverting to left-back, had a long-ranger turned over the bar. READ MORE SUN STORIESWith United’s players now playing in their correct positions, they began to get the upper hand. Matthijs De Ligt should have scored with a header, Hojlund forced a save.Then Antony was carted off on a stretcher late on, to add to Ten Hag’s injury woes as it finished a stalemate. His mood worsened when Fenerbahce did not get a penalty as Manuel Ugarte challenged Bright Osayi-SamuelCredit: TNT SportsReferee Clement Turpin brandished the red card for the Special OneCredit: EPAHe was spotted sulking in the standsCredit: TNT SportsMourinho ended up sitting on a staircaseCredit: TNT SportsEriksen blasted into the top corner in styleCredit: APYoussef En-Nesyri headed Fenerbahce level just after half-timeCredit: EPAOnana could not produce another memorable save to prevent the equaliserCredit: ReutersErik ten Hag’s experiment didn’t work as plannedCredit: EPA More

  • in

    Mourinho sent off for throwing tantrum vs Man Utd before ‘foul-mouthed rant TNT Sports host couldn’t repeat on live TV’

    JOSE MOURINHO was SENT OFF in Fenerbahce’s Europa League clash against his old club Manchester United.The Portuguese manager was dismissed by the referee for throwing one of his infamous tantrums on the touchline after calling for a penalty.Jose Mourinho was absolutely raging on the touchlineThe referee brandished the red card to an irate MourinhoThe manager was left fuming on the touchline – leaving the referee with no other option but to send him to the standsCredit: EPAMourinho was fuming after Bright Osayi-Samuel went down in the boxCredit: TNT SportsMourinho, 61, moved up some steps and under a metal barrier to watch the rest of the game from the stands.His anger stayed for the rest of the game and after it, with TNT Sports host Jules Breach revealing he launched a foul-mouthed tirade in the tunnel ‘that she couldn’t repeat’. The Fenerbahce manager was raging after Manuel Ugarte appeared to bring down Bright Osayi-Samuel in the box.However, he lost his temper when neither the referee nor VAR gave the penalty.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFans reacted on social media with little surprise about Mourinho’s dismissal.One posted: “Well that was coming.”A second wrote: “That was the most enviable thing to happen.”A third commented: “This is football heritage.”Most read in FootballMourinho was forced to watch the rest of the game from the standsCredit: TNT SportsThe 61-year-old was at his very best in the post-game interview reflecting on his angry night in TurkeyCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA fourth said: “Everything changes in football. But not Jose Mourinho.”Another added: “Jose Mourinho is pure box office.”Watch Jose Mourinho’s hilarious reaction after Man Utd keeper Andre Onana’s ‘double worldy’ saveFurious Jose Mourinho’s CUTTING dig at referee Clement Turpin after red card vs Man UtdJOSE MOURINHO launched a sarcastic blast at ref Clement Turpin after he was red-carded in his clash with former club Manchester United. The Fenerbahce boss saw his side fight back to earn a point as United tossed away the lead for a third successive drawn Europa League match.Mourinho was sent to the stands after raging against Turpin’s failure to award a penalty against Manuel Ugarte for a challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel.And Mourinho scowled: “The referee told me something incredible. He said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.“I congratulate him because he is absolutely incredible. During the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on my behaviour on the bench. That’s the explanation he gave me.”That is why he is one of the best referees in the world!”After the game, the Portuguese boss gave a very tongue-in-cheek explanation for his anger.He told TNT Sports: “He [the referee] told me something incredible, he said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.”Congratulations because this is incredible, his peripheral vision during the game.”Man United took the lead in the match through Christian Eriksen after a neat move in the 15th minute.However, Mourinho’s side equalised early in the second half through former Sevilla star Youssef En-Nesyri.The Red Devils were saved from conceding an earlier goal as Andre Onana was called into action to pull off a stunning double save.The Cameroonian’s heroics also brought about a brilliant reaction from Mourinho on the touchline.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 – 7Made 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 – 5Failed 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 – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed 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 – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won 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 – 6Didn’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 – 5Played 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 – 6Played 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 – 5A 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.The match would finish 1-1 in Turkey as the Red Devils slumped to 21st in the Europa League table.It also meant they haven’t tasted a European win for TWELVE MONTHS.Before the game, current Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag left fans shocked by his team selection.The Dutchman named summer signing Noussair Mazraoui in the starting eleven but not in his usual position.Mourinho remains the most successful Man United boss in the post-Ferguson era.Across his time at Old Trafford, the former Chelsea boss won the Europa League and Carabao Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also guided the Red Devils to a second-place finish in the league in his final full season in charge.He was sacked from the job in 2018 and has gone on to manage Tottenham Hotspur, Roma and now Fenerbahce.Mourinho had some other brilliant reactions on the touchlineCredit: TNT SportJose Mourinho explains reason behind his Man Utd exitBy NEIL CUSTISJOSE MOURINHO says a lack of trust from the top denied him more success at Manchester United.Mourinho spent two-and-a-half years in the Old Trafford hotseat, winning two trophies, reaching an FA Cup final and finishing second in the Premier League.But he was sacked in  December 2018 and believes he was not backed properly in the transfer market by then executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.Mourinho said: “What Erik ten Hag has in his time at United I didn’t.“I didn’t have that level of support or trust.“So I left sad, because I felt I was in the beginning of the process. I felt if they trusted me and believed in my experience, things could be different.” More

  • in

    Medics rush to help and cover Nice star Sofiane Diop after terrifying injury in Europa League clash with Ferencvaros

    NICE fans were stunned to see Sofiane Diop play on in their clash with Ferencvaros – after an injury so severe he was covered with a SCREEN. The 24-year-old midfielder was shielded from view as medical staff rushed onto the field during Thursday’s Europa League clash in Hungary. A screen was put up around Sofiane Diop after a clash of heads against FerencvarosCredit: GettyFans were stunned to see the Nice star play on after colliding with a teammateCredit: AFPDiop went down after clashing heads with a teammate midway through the first half at the Groupama Arena. Medical staff ran onto the field as the former Monaco star hit the turf, with Ferencvaros defenders urging them to hurry. Diop remained down on the ground for several minutes, with stewards holding a makeshift medical tent made out of Ferencvaros flags. Luckily for Diop, he appeared to escape serious injury after walking away under his own steam.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDiop was strapped up by the medical team with a bandage, with blood seemingly visible on the back of his head. And fans were stunned to see him return to the game just moments after the collision. One wrote on X: “It’s not serious to keep Sofiane Diop in this match! He needs to get stitched up and go out.”Another said: “I hope that is nothing serious for Sofiane Diop.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTrailing 1-0 after an own goal from Moise Bombito, Nice eventually subbed Diop out of the contest at half-time, around 20 minutes after the incident. He was replaced by former Birmingham City midfielder Jeremie Boga.Roberto Mancini brutally sacked from job as highest-paid manager in the world just days after clashing with fansA former French international youth star, Diop has opted to play for Morocco at international level.He began his career with Rennes before joining Monaco in July 2018. New Europa League format explainedTHE Europa League has been given a revamp this season, with a whole new group-stage format.All 36 teams are in one big league.Each team will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.At the end of the league phase, the top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.The bottom 12 teams are eliminated from Europe entirely.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The knockout phase of the tournament remains the same as previous years.The Tours native spent four years in Monte Carlo, including a successful season on loan at Sochaux.Diop linked up with Nice in August 2022, with the £18.3m midfielder currently enjoying a breakout season. More

  • in

    Man Utd fans injured after ‘being ambushed by 50 Fenerbahce ultras in Istanbul’ ahead of Europa League clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans were attacked by so-called Fenerbahce ultras ahead of the Europa League clash tonight.As many as 50 Fenerbahce fans are said to have “swarmed” a group of United fans who had travelled to Istanbul for the match.Man Utd fans appear to have been attacked in Istanbul before their match with FenerbahceCredit: X/BogazHooligansFootage shared by a Fenerbahce ultra account boasted about the attacksCredit: X/BogazHooligansWitnesses have said multiple fans have been left injuredCredit: X/BogazHooligansFootage shared on social media showed an attack taking place outside of the Grand Hisar Hotel.The videos showed footage of ultras charging and assaulting fans, leaving several injured.A self-professed “anarchist” account on X by the name of GFB Bogaz Hooligans boasted about the footage after posting it online.The account shared a 26-second video of the attacks with the caption: “This is İSTANBUL!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn ominous post on their Instagram page showed an apparent group of hooligans on bikes.It was captioned: “On the first punch of a fight… Manchester is now truly RED :).”One Red Devils fan who was caught up in the attacks told StrettyNews how five fans were “swarmed” by a violent mob.They said: “About 50 of them swarmed us.Most read in Football”One lad followed me down a street and pretended to help before hitting me a shot into the jaw.”They added that two members of their group were left injured by glasses and a crowbar.Erik ten Hag in confident mood as Man Utd target rare European victory A separate incident is said to have involved 20 Fenerbahce fans descending upon a smaller group of United fans.The Fenerbahce ultra account posted a screenshot of an apparent online conversation between them and a so-called United fan.They said: “A response has been given to the traitors who insulted our religious and national values ​​and gave us a position.”The pictures detailed how an offensive message was sent to start the exchange before messages of “see you soon”, and “let’s go” were sent before sending the location as the Celtic Irish Pub in Istanbul.The pub is approximately an 11-minute walk from where one of the attacks took place.SunSport were unable to track down a social media account with the details shared in the screenshot, meaning the message could have been fabricated or the original account was changed or deleted.Manchester United have been approached for comment.READ MORE SUN STORIESViolence has unfortunately become commonplace in football in Turkey, with Fenerbahce’s chairman attacked by a pitch invader and pelted with bottles earlier this season.United face former boss Jose Mourinho tonight as they look for their first win in this season’s Europa League, with the Portuguese gaffer his normal bullish self ahead of the game.Jose Mourinho will take on his old side tonight More

  • in

    Sofyan Amrabat opens up on Man Utd exit and says ‘you’ll have to ask Mr Wilcox’ before adding ‘I hope they lose’

    SOFYAN AMRABAT has revealed that Erik ten Hag wanted to keep him at Manchester United – but the Old Trafford hierarchy had other ideas.The midfielder also sent a cryptic message to club chief Jason Wilcox ahead of United’s visit to Fenerbahce in the Europa League tonight.Fenerbahce loanee Sofyan Amrabat has opened up on his Manchester United exitThe Morocco international revealed that Erik ten Hag wanted to activate his loan dealAmrabat spent last season on loan at Old Trafford from Fiorentina and racked up 30 appearances across all competitions. He impressed towards the end of the campaign, producing an excellent performance in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City.But that was the last time he would wear the United shirt.On his exit, he told The Mail: “I have a special relationship with Ten Hag since I was a 20-year-old at Utrecht.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”He wanted to keep me this summer so I wish him the best but not for Thursday. I hope they lose.”The Morocco international was then asked if he’d like to share anything else about his departure.To which he cryptically responded: “The only thing that I want to say is that you have to ask Mr Wilcox.”Wilcox, 53, is the technical director at Carrington who has overall responsibility for “football performance, recruitment and operations”.Most read in FootballAmrabat cryptically directed the blame for his failed moved towards Man Utd technical director Jason WilcoxFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTen Hag wanted to activate the option to permanently buy Amrabat for £21m but the United echelons thought otherwise, opting to go for Manuel Ugarte from PSG for £51m instead.Despite a strong performance in the FA Cup final, ongoing injuries meant that he did not start a single Prem game between Christmas and the end of April.Sofyan Amrabat looks shocked after receiving gift off young Man Utd fan in ‘beautiful’ momentAmrabat expressed his desire to join United on a permanent basis after falling in love with the city and the club in an otherwise difficult season.In fact, Amrabat reportedly refused to train with his Fiorentina teammates in a bid to try and force through a return to M16.United mulled over the prospect of re-signing the 28-year-old but a deal failed to materialise.He joined Fenerbahce on loan in August and is set to feature in Thursday’s Europa League tie against his former side.Amrabat will join another Old Trafford outcast in Fred, under former United boss Jose Mourinho, who lifted the Europa League with the Prem giants in 2017.Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8mFred revealed that he was also emotional when United sold him to Fenerbahce for £13m last summer.He told The Mail: “It was tough because we had adapted to life in Manchester and my wife was pregnant. But football is like this and Fenerbahce supported me a lot.”When the Europa League draw pitted Fenerbahce – who beat United 2-1 in their last encounter eight years ago when Mourinho was manager – against the Reds, Fred was straight on WhatsApp to his former team-mates.He revealed: “I messaged Bruno Fernandes saying ‘We will kill you’ and he responded that ‘No, we will kill you’.”But then my friend got a red card against Porto so he won’t play with us.” He admits there is still a tinge of sadness seeing United struggle.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “They are not in the best moment but I support them.”I’m upset when they don’t get good results or don’t play well but against us, it’s different. On Thursday, they can’t play well.”Fred spent five seasons at United after signing for £50m under Jose MourinhoMan Utd player ratings vs BrentfordBy Neil CustisMANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.JONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.RASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.SUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier. More

  • in

    Jose Mourinho is long past his prime but ex-Man Utd boss was like Robert De Niro in his pre-match press conference

    FRANK SINATRA never did perform in a crowded hut by the tradesman’s entrance of a football training ground in Istanbul.And Robert De Niro never fielded questions about the absence of a fit, recognised left-back for the fourth-best team in the Turkish Super Lig.Jose Mourinho’s press conferences remain box-office eventsCredit: GettyMourinho was at his Robert De Niro best with the way he entertained the gathered media – here in the film Raging BullCredit: AlamyBut had they ever done so, it would have gone something like this. An audience with Jose Mourinho never grows old. Even now that his vagabond shoes have strayed all the way to this outbuilding at Fenerbahce’s Can Bartu training complex.As a coach, he may be past his prime. Indeed, he claims he wasn’t even one of the ten candidates spoken to by the FA to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager.But as a media operator, Mourinho is Ol’ Blue Eyes, he’s Bobby De Niro.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe’s a song-and-dance man and a box-office sensation. He’s the manager the Premier League craves because of his charisma, his take-downs, his mindgames and his wisecracks.Just not his football.Here he was, simultaneously spitting poison at Turkish journalists, who have been critical of his underwhelming start as Fenerbahce boss, while greeting the English press pack as if we were lifelong friends who’d never had a bad word to say about him. Which, believe me, was never the case.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTonight, Mourinho goes head to head with his former club Manchester United in a meeting of two once-great footballing institutions.Between them, United and Mourinho won 16 of the first 21 Premier League titles, as well as four European Cups during that same era. Inside Jose Mourinho’s £1,000-a-night Istanbul hotel as ex-Man Utd boss orders same three-course meal every nightBoth are now faded and in exile — Mourinho on the Asian side of this chaotic, sprawling, city and United in the bottom half of the table, a world away from the elite.A decade ago, both would have scoffed at the idea of second-tier Thursday night football. Yet here they are. Still, Mourinho, the old rascal with the glint in his eye, was shaking hands, slapping backs and throwing signed Fenerbahce shirts to a couple of English journalists.He’d read a newspaper story which claimed he had been ordering the same room-service meal every night in his Istanbul hotel suite — chicken soup, margarita pizza and ice cream.“You English guys know where I live,” he giggled, “you know what I eat. Come round and make yourselves at home. I’m staying here at the training ground tonight, so does anyone need a room for the night?”Mourinho saved his best jibe for Manchester City and his old El Clasico sparring partner Pep Guardiola — claiming he could yet win a title with United if City — who face 115 Premier League charges of financial wrongdoing — are stripped of their 2017-18 crown, when his Red Devils were runners up.Mourinho, wary of motivating tonight’s opponents too much, was selective in his criticism of United boss Erik ten Hag. He merely stated United’s ‘potential was far higher than their results’ and noted the Old Trafford board had shown more patience with Ten Hag than they did with him.There was also the assertion that United and another of his former clubs, Spurs, should be the two clear favourites to win the Europa League — given that the Premier League was ‘far superior in terms of quality, intensity and finance’ than any other league.While claiming that he wishes United well and believes ‘they will succeed sooner or later, hopefully sooner before one day I go back to the Premier League’, Mourinho suggested it was a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’ he returns to England. But is that so?He is already being criticised for negative football here, Fenerbahce lost their first major derby, 3-1 at home to leaders Galatasaray and were beaten in a Champions League play-off against Lille to end up in the Thursday night club.Yet still Mourinho possesses the capacity to fascinate. Still, owners of Premier League club clubs, who should probably know better, will remain intrigued.When I asked about United’s decision to terminate Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million-per-year role as a club ambassador, Mourinho was keen to plug a documentary about his life to be screened on Netflix next year.He said: “My relationship with Sir Alex was amazing, incredible, when my Netflix documentary comes out you will know more about the reasons I have so much respect for him. The ambassadorial role, I don’t know that situation. It doesn’t matter.“Sir Alex has the most important thing: the love and respect of every Manchester United fan around the world. That is more important than a few more pounds he doesn’t need.”It was very different when questions arrived from the Turkish media.Jose Mourinho explains reason behind his Man Utd exitBy NEIL CUSTISJOSE MOURINHO says a lack of trust from the top denied him more success at Manchester United.Mourinho spent two-and-a-half years in the Old Trafford hotseat, winning two trophies, reaching an FA Cup final and finishing second in the Premier League.But he was sacked in  December 2018 and believes he was not backed properly in the transfer market by then executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.Mourinho said: “What Erik ten Hag has in his time at United I didn’t.“I didn’t have that level of support or trust.“So I left sad, because I felt I was in the beginning of the process. I felt if they trusted me and believed in my experience, things could be different.”Mourinho gave signed shirts to a few English journalistsCredit: ReutersTold that Fenerbahce were playing at a slower pace than last season, his response was simply: “That is your opinion and I respect it.” A line delivered with about as much respect as a cobra spitting venom from its fangs.There were sarcastic swipes at TV pundits ‘the specialists have all the answers’. If they told Jose to play his misfiring attacking midfielder Sebastian Szymanski at left-back then perhaps he’d do so to avoid criticism.When a TV reporter asked a perfectly-reasonable question, he was given a lecture about the need to stop showing endless replays of a ‘non-penalty’ incident involving Sofyan Amrabat, who will play tonight alongside a fellow former United midfielder, Fred.That was the modern-day reality of Mourinho’s career — an argument over the use of TV footage in Turkish domestic football.A spat he could never have imagined having when winning titles at Chelsea, Champions Leagues with Porto and Inter Milan or ruling the roost at the two most famous clubs on Earth, United and Real Madrid.Yet at 61, something still motivates him to keep going. Perhaps the prospect of returning to the Premier League — where press conferences now tend to be interminably dull and the whole soap opera is a need of a great brooding, anti-hero.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor now, he performs in a hut by the tradesman’s entrance and eats margarita pizza in his room.But one day he thinks he’ll be back in the bright lights. Like Sinatra, he’ll never truly retire.Aged 61, he is still a natural entertainerCredit: ReutersMourinho announced himself to United fans with his memorable run down the Old Trafford touchlineCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThe Portuguese gaffer led Porto and Inter Milan to Champions League gloryCredit: AFPThe Special One is living at the Four Seasons Hotel in IstanbulCredit: Free for editorial use More

  • in

    How Man Utd lined up last time they faced Fenerbahce in loss under JOSE MOURINHO… with two stars still in squad now

    MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing to face former manager Jose Mourinho when they take on Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday night.It comes eight years after he was sacked by Red Devils chiefs following a mixed two and a half seasons at the helm.Jose Mourinho faced off against Fenerbahce as Manchester United boss eight years agoCredit: PA:Empics SportIt was during his first campaign at Old Trafford that he took Man Utd to Fenerbahce in the Europa League.And while he would eventually win the competition at the end of the season, the group-stage clash in November 2016 was an evening to forget for the iconic Portuguese coach.Man Utd, who had beaten Fenerbahce 4-1 two weeks earlier, trailed after just two minutes and fell 2-0 down before the hour mark thanks to goals from Moussa Sow and Jeremain Lens.Wayne Rooney pulled one back late on, but it proved to be merely a consolation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd while it was nearly a decade ago, two of Man Utd’s starting line-up are still in Erik ten Hag’s squad.They are left-back Luke Shaw and forward Marcus Rashford.Shaw played in front of keeper David de Gea and alongside defenders Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian.Morgan Schneiderlin, Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba made up the midfield trio.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLuke Shaw and Marcus Rashford started against Fenerbahce eight years agoCredit: Getty Images – GettyHow Man Utd lined up in their 2017 defeat to Fenerbahce under Jose MourinhoAnd Rashford and Rooney were joined up front by Anthony Martial.Pogba lasted just 30 minutes before he was replaced by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.Man Utd’s Brentford Comeback: Player Ratings The Swedish striker was one of three substitutions made by Mourinho.Juan Mata came on for Schneiderlin at half-time, before Rashford made way for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.The unused substitutes were Sergio Romero, Phil Jones, Ashley Young and Marouane Fellaini. More

  • in

    Jose Mourinho reveals he’s still holding out hope of winning Premier League title with Man Utd

    JOSE MOURINHO had claimed he’s still holding out hope that he will win the Premier League with Manchester Utd – nearly six years after being sacked by them.The now Fenerbahce boss faces his old club on Thursday in the Europa League.Jose Mourinho is still holding out hope for a Premier League title as Manchester United bossCredit: ReutersMourinho won the Europa League during his spell with the Red DevilsCredit: Rex FeaturesHe also guided United to a second place finish in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyMourinho, 61, spent two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford and helped the Red Devils win the Europa League and the League Cup during his tenure before he was axed in 2018.However, the Special One is claiming that he might still be able to add a Premier League title to that tally amid Man City’s battle against their 115 charges. Mourinho has claimed that he is still hoping that his side’s second place finish behind City in the 2017/18 season will be turned into a league title if the Etihad outfit are stripped of their achievements as a result of their ongoing court case.And the Portuguese manager is also hoping it might earn him a pretty penny too.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking ahead of Thursday’s clash, he said: “As you know, we won the Europa League and finished second in the Premier League.”I think we still have a chance to win that league, because maybe they punish Man City with points and maybe we win that league.”Then they have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal.”Mourinho was sacked after United failed to live up to the standards they’d set with their second place finish the season before.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited have only finished second in the league once in the six years that have followed Mourinho’s departure.And when asked if he thinks that the Red Devils have improved since he was axed, the Fenerbahce manager gave an uncharacteristically diplomatic answer. Inside Jose Mourinho’s £1,000-a-night Istanbul hotel as ex-Man Utd boss orders same three-course meal every nightHe said: “I wish the best to Man Utd since the moment I left.”I left with a good feeling to the club and a good feeling to the fans and I want the best for them.”So if things are not going amazingly well for them it’s not something that makes me happy.”But at the same time, I have no time and it doesn’t make sense for me to be thinking about what happened or didn’t happen.”Mourinho also added that United have “kept faith” in Erik ten Hag, claiming that the Dutchman is having different treatment to him at the Theatre of Dreams.Ten Hag remains under pressure at United after a poor start to the season has seen his side lose three of their opening eight Premier League clashes.While they are yet to win a European game this season either, with Thursday’s tie against Fenerbahce another tough test for Ten Hag’s men.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More