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      Fenerbahce 1-1 Man Utd LIVE RESULT: Jose Mourinho SENT OFF in frenetic Europa League clash that ends level

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Fenerbahce’s thrilling Europa League tie has ended level – but the major talking point of the night is Jose Mourinho receiving a red card!Christian Eriksen’s sublime strike initially put the Red Devils ahead before En-Nesyri levelled up the score in Istanbul.And in typical Jose Mourinho style, the Portuguese legend got sent off for shouting at the fourth official.RESULT: Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdTV channel: TNT Sports 2Live stream: discovery+Fenerbahce XI; Livakovic; Muldur, Djiku, Soyncu, Osayi-Samuel; Amrabat, Fred, Szymanski; Tadic, En-Nesyri, Saint-MaximinMan Utd XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Lindelof, Ugarte; Garnacho, Eriksen, Rashford; ZirkzeeFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium with our live blog below…Mourinho on Uefa Jose Mourinho claims he wants to manage a struggling Premier League club next – so that he doesn’t have to compete in Europe, believing that Uefa have a vendetta against him.I think the best thing I have to do, when I leave Fenerbahce, is that I go to a club that doesn’t play Uefa competitions.If any team in the bottom half in England needs a coach in two years I’m ready to go.There is no point appealing (the red card) since the Roma vs Sevilla Europa League Final there is no point.Jose MourinhoCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMore Mourinho praiseFenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho praised his players for going above and beyond against Manchester United despite a number of absences.Probably in England people will speak about two or three Man Utd players that didn’t play, you don’t know how many of ours didn’t play because as a start, we have four players off the Europa League list, and then we also had injuries and had to finish the game with a centre-back playing right-back and a right-back playing left-back.We had to do a crazy puzzle, but our performance was extraordinary. I couldn’t ask for anything more from the players.I know English media will say Manchester United didn’t play well but I think it would be fair to say we did an extraordinary match and we were better than them. A good result for Manchester United.Jose MourinhoTNT SportsCredit: RexCopy linkCopiedMourinho on resultFenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho praised his players’ performance against Manchester United and suggested his former team was lucky to leave Istanbul with a point.They [Man Utd] got a point against us. Not us against them.We played amazing. I was telling the players, ‘If we play like this in the Turkish league we’ll destroy everything’.Because of course we played against a team that is in a superior level than us. Of course the Premier League has more quality, more intensity, more pace, more everything.I think my boys did an amazing match.Jose MourinhoTNT SportsCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMourinho addresses red cardFenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho delivered a vintage post-match interview after his red card against Jose Mourinho,I don’t want to speak about it.He [the referee] told me something incredible. He said that at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.I congratulated him because he’s absolutely incredible.His peripheral vision during the game – 100mph – he had one eye on the penalty situation and he had one eye on the bench and on my behaviour. That’s the explanation he gave me. That’s why he’s one of the best referees in the world.I watched the incident, I don’t speak about the incident.Jose MourinhoTNT SportsCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMourinho dismissal in picturesFenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent off in the 59th minute of the Europa League clash with Manchester United.Mourinho protested for a penalty after Bright Osayi-Samuel was brought down inside the Manchester United area from a late challenge by Manuel Ugarte.The incident took place after Osayi-Samuel had offloaded the ball but the ex-Chelsea, United and Tottenham boss had a things or two to say.That led to his dismissal and the Portuguese tactician watched the rest of the game from the stands.Credit: GettyCredit: GettyCredit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedEuropa League tableManchester United have dropped to 21st place after their winless streak extended to three matches.United wasted a lead for the third game in a row after hosting Twente and travelling to Porto.The Red Devils are four points away from the top eight and automatic qualification for the Last 16.More below:Copy linkCopiedFinal word from Dave Kidd in IstanbulWell, that was manic – after tossing away yet another lead, Man Utd have gone a full year without winning in Europe.This was chaotic, as every United away trip seems to be – even without Jose Mourinho’s red card for a second-half tantrum.There is precious little sense of gameplan from Erik ten Hag, especially with square pegs in round holes – it was unsurprising that Manchester United finished strongly once their players were all playing in the right positions.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedView from Dave Kidd in IstanbulThey 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.Amid 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 openerHaving 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. 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, venue for their original ‘Welcome To Hell’ trip back in the 90s.So 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 Mazraoui as his No10 – to the bafflement of many.And despite his winner against Brentford on Saturday, Hojlund was benched. Ten Hag rarely does the obvious thing. But not in a good way.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedFenerbahce vs Man Utd statsFenerbahce dominated 52 per cent of possession against Manchester United.Fener registered a total of 10 shots, half of which were on target.United, on the other hand, produced 12 shots, five of which were on target. More below:Copy linkCopiedFT: Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdManchester United’s winless streak in the Europa League has been extended to three matches.United picked up their third successive draw and also wasted a lead for the third straight match.The Red Devils went up against former manager Jose Mourinho, who also experienced a night to forget.The Manchester giants opened the scoring after just 15 minutes with Christian Eriksen.Alejandro Garnacho drove the ball forward down the left and played it inside the penalty area where Noussair Mazxraoui flicked it for Joshua Zirkzee who played it back for Eriksen to blast a shot past Dominik Livakovic.Fener missed a glorious chance with Tusan Tadic in front of open goal but the ex-Southampton star was stopped by a perfectly-timed tackle by Manuel Ugarte.Youssef En-Nesyri was then denied by a stunning double save from United goalkeeper Andre Onana.However, the hosts got their equaliser in the second half with En-Nesyri on 49 minutes.The striker picked up a pinpoint cross from Alain Saint-Maximin and headed it past Onana after some dreadful defending by Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof, who didn’t even jump.Mourinho then turned back the clocks as he went wild on the bench when Fenerbahce were denied a penalty after a late challenge by Ugarte on Bright Osayi-Samuel.That led to a red card for the ex-Chelsea and Tottenham boss who watched the rest of the match from the stands.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedFT: Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdPeep!That’s full-time in Istanbul!!!Copy linkCopied90+3 Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdChanceMan Utd ace Eriksen takes on the free-kick which is headed out where Mazraoui is waiting but his shot goes all the way up to the noesbleed seats.Copy linkCopied90+2 Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdYellow cardFenerbahce ace Muldur booked for a rough tackle on Amad.Man Utd earna free-kick in a promising position down the right.Copy linkCopied90 Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdSubstitutionFenerbahce respond with Hakan coming on for Szymanski.Five more minutes of stoppage time to go.Copy linkCopied88 Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdSubstitution Another injury for Man Utd manager Ten Hag who brings on Amad to replace Antony.The winger is in so much pain he required a stretcher to take him off the pitch!Copy linkCopied87 Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdAntony signalling to the bench that he needs to come off. Amad to come on now.Not far away from full-time and Fenerbahce are now the ones that have a lot to thank their goalkeeper for.Copy linkCopied85 Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdMan Utd ace Antony goes down and it looks like he’s in a lot of pain.United physios enter the pitch, the winger is hurting a lot it seems.Probably stepped heavily during a challenge.Copy linkCopied84 Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdChanceAnother shot by Man Utd star Garnacho is saved by Livakovic.Copy linkCopied83 Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdChanceMan Utd earna free-kick in a dangerous spot down the left and Eriksen delivers a clever curling shot that almost surprises Livakovic, who palms it away with his right hand.Copy linkCopied80 Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdWe are in the final 10 minutes of the match and tempo has really slowed down.Man Utd not showing many signs of ending their winless drought…Copy linkCopied79 Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdSubstitutionFenerbahce make a triple change as Dzeko, Kahveci and Ismail come on for En-Nesyri, Tadic and Saint-Maximin.Copy linkCopied78 Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdMan Utd look a lot more dangerous with Hojlund up front.Mazraoui now plays at left-back with Dalot on the other side, Lisandro Martinez at centre-back and Eriksen at No10.Copy linkCopied76 Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdChanceMan Utd ace Hojlund drives the ball forward and tries a shot from the edge of the box, but it lacks power and Livakovic picks it up with ease.Copy linkCopied75 Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdView from Dave Kidd in IstanbulJose Mourinho is never knowingly upstaged – after a bravura press-conference performance yesterday the former United boss has been sent packing from his technical area after Bright Osayi-Samuel was denied a penalty.It was a decent shout – followed by some apparently indecent shouting.Do not be surprised if they manage to smuggle him back into the dugout in a laundry basket, which was one of his tricks while banned during his Chelsea days.Copy linkCopied73 Fenerbahce 1-1 Man UtdSubstitutionMan Utd boss Ten Hag introduces Antony who replaces Rashford.Copy linkCopied More

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      Tottenham 1 AZ Alkmaar 0: Richarlison maintains 100 per cent Europa League start after penalty row with James Maddison

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      RICHARLISON maintained Tottenham’s 100 per cent Europa League start – but only after winning a penalty ROW with captain James Maddison.On an evening when Tottenham’s teenage trio shined, it was the returning Brazilian that proved the match-winner despite a bizarre on-field argument with his teammate.Richarlison announced his return to the Spurs side with a goalCredit: PAThe Brazilian made no mistake from the spot after stepping up to take a second-half penaltyCredit: ReutersJames Maddison was brought down in the box in the opening 45 minutes, only for VAR to overturn the callCredit: ReutersOn his first start of the season, having recovered from a calf strain, the No.9 striker scored a Panenka-style spot-kick that broke the AZ Alkmaar resistance.Yet after summer signing Luca Bergvall had been decked by Maxim Dekker, Maddison negotiated at length with Richarlison, 27, and actually took the ball OFF the disappointed South American.Moments later, it was back in Richarlison’s hands and with a steely gaze, he managed to poke fun at goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro with a straight-down-the-middle strike on 53 minutes.Maddison, who wore the skipper’s armband for the night following the absence of Son Heung-min, did not bear any grudges with the episode.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd the England playmaker was the first to rush over and hug Richarlison, who did his pigeon-dance celebration that was a hallmark of the 2022 World Cup.In a year in which he revealed his mental health struggles, this was a welcome sight for him and everyone connected with the player.His coolly-taken goal means it is now three wins out of three and Spurs are on course to qualify for the top eight spots in this revamped, money-grabbing new format.Postecoglou made NINE changes to the side that thrashed West Ham 4-1 on Saturday and that selection gamble did not backfire.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTNT Sports host Becky Ives leaps off Tottenham Hotspur Stadium roof on live TV as she screams ‘to dare is to do’Spurs ratings vs Alkmaar: Kids Bergvall impresses on rare start but Dragusin has uncomfortable nightTOTTENHAM made it a hat-trick of Europa League wins thanks to Richarlison’s penalty against ten-man AZ Alkmaar.The Brazilian converted from the spot on 53 minutes in an opening goal that eventually separated the sides.Here is how Dan King rated Spurs’ players from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Fraser Forster – 7Brilliant save and good rush from line in first half to stop Spurs falling behind. A spectator for most of the second half but made smart stop in last 20 minutes.Archie Gray – 5Unable to team up with fellow teenager Moore in first half to match threat from Tottenham’s other flank and struggled with pace of Ernest Poku.Radu Dragusin – 5Another mixed display. Good on the ball one moment, not so much the next. Sometimes looked strong, but then vulnerable, especially when Alkmaar ran at him.Ben Davies – 7Tottenham’s Mr Dependable was their most convincing defender, thanks mainly to good positioning and calmness. Although even he showed signs of tension late on.Destiny Udogie – 6Did a bit of everything in the opening 45 minutes, although as usual his work in opposition half tended to be better. Less adventurous in the second half.Rodrigo Bentancur – 6After a commanding start, was unable to stop Alkmaar from gaining a first-half foothold. Apart from occasional lapses, maintained his authority better after the break.Mikey Moore – 7Missed golden early chance and looked uncomfortable on right. Immediate, massive improvement when switched to left, running at defence and creating chances..Lucas Bergvall – 8Impressive display with everything but a goal. Full of running, composed, and found killer passes that should have become assists. But had to go off injured.James Maddison – 7Skipper for the night had some lovely moments without finding a decisive contribution – until he let Richarlison have the penalty.Timo Werner – 5Superb cross for Moore chance but woeful finish when played through by Bergvall told you everything about his confidence levels. Hooked at half time.Richarlison – 6Busy and committed in first half, but ball wasn’t sticking much. Really wanted to take the penalty and converting it should be a morale boost. Lasted just over an hour.SUBSBrennan Johnson (for Werner, half time) – 5Failed to make most of a Bergvall pass. Quieter than usual.Dominic Solanke (for Richarlison, 65) – 6Worked hard without having a sight of goal.Dejan Kulusevski (for Bergvall, 73) – 6Gave the Spurs midfield the legs it needed to see out game.Pape Sarr (for Maddison, 73) – 6Also brought an injection of energy to dampen Alkmaar hopes of a comeback.Only full-back Destiny Udogie and Maddison – a half-time sub against the Hammers – retained their places.Three teenagers were given a run-out – Bergvall, Mikey Moore and Archie Gray – and what a special occasion this was for them all, playing in a European clash under the lights in front of a packed home crowd.What a dream start it could have been for the 17-year-old forward Moore on his first appearance in the starting XI in N17.The left-wing cross on five minutes from Timo Werner was delivered perfectly but the header from close range by the academy graduate, who had wriggled free of his marker, was wasted.Later on, though, he would be serenaded by the Tottenham faithful for his industry and work-rate with that old Harry Kane song: “He’s one of our own…”Richarlison and Maddison clashed over who would take the second-half penaltyCredit: GettyThe pair hugged it out after the Brazilian had tucked it awayCredit: PAOne of the other youngsters given a go was the blond-haired, 18-year-old Bergvall, a £8.5million recruit, whose night was unfortunately cut short due to a knock.On 27 minutes, the Swedish midfielder’s beautiful outside-of-the-boot ball dissected the AZ defence and this could have led to the opening goal of an otherwise tedious first half.The problem was the lovely pass fell to Werner and the German loanee – not the most prolific of strikers – produced a typically tame finish that the AZ goalkeeper easily saved.Werner’s wastefulness was punished and he was hooked off at half-time for Brennan Johnson, who had a half-chance to score inside a minute of coming on.AZ – who had a first-half header by Alexandre Penetra brilliantly saved by back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster – had some chances but were unable to breach the home defence.There were several times that Tottenham gave away the ball and lived dangerously and they were lucky that the electric Ernest Poku did not punish them – and that Forster’s concentration did not falter.The Dutch side’s night got worse when David Moller Wolfe received a second yellow for a silly foul and watched the rest of the match from inside the bowels of the stadium.Maddison cleared up the penalty row in his post-match interview, telling TNT Sports: “Initially we both wanted to take it. I am a senior player, I was the captain today, I was going to take the penalty.READ MORE SUN STORIES”hen a little thought in my head, when I was stood there, I had a little conversation with myself. Richy has come back from an injury, it can be difficult, especially for a striker.”I knew that last year as well when I had a long injury. It took me a while to get my first goal. That gives you confidence.” More

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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