Manchester United's recent Europa League outing against Fenerbahce ended with yet another draw, leaving fans restless and wondering when the team will find its winning form. The game, held at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, saw the Red Devils managing to secure only one point against the Turkish side, maintaining their streak of draws, which has now reached three consecutive matches in the competition.
Erik ten Hag's side took the lead through Christian Eriksen, who scored before halftime. While this seemed to promise potential success, disaster struck shortly after the break. Youssef En-Nesyri's goal for Fenerbahce silenced the traveling supporters, reflecting Manchester United's struggles to maintain leads—something they have grappled with throughout their campaign.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana asserted post-match optimism, stating, "It will come, you know, it will come. Everything in life is temporary." His words may bring comfort to fans, but they also underline the urgency of needing results. United's place on the Europa League table is troubling, currently at 21st, and they sit 11th places within the Premier League as they prepare for their next fixture against West Ham.
Ten Hag's tactical choices came under scrutiny, particularly his decision to deploy Noussair Mazraoui as a central attacker, raising eyebrows among analysts and fans alike. Onana defended this choice, praising the willingness of players to adapt for the team's needs. "For the team, we have to be able to be pragmatic," he noted, reflecting the team's determination to put forth its best effort, regardless of the circumstances.
Despite creating several chances, Manchester United seemed to struggle with finishing, leaving the team with growing concerns about their ability to close out matches. After the match, Onana stated, "We lose together, we win together. I think we are in the second or third position for chances created, and the most important thing is creating chances." This emphasis on their offensive creation reflects the silver linings present within their gameplay, even during troublesome stretches.
Erik ten Hag expressed frustration over their missed opportunities during the game. He mentioned specific moments where the team had clear chances to increase their lead. Notably, he highlighted the failed connection between Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford during what seemed like perfectly crafted offensive play. “That should be a goal,” he said, clearly indicating his discontent with their failure to capitalize on those moments.
The game also saw controversies, one of which revolved around Manuel Ugarte, who was at the center of shouts for a penalty after Fenerbahce’s Bright Osayi-Samuel went down following his challenge. Referee Clement Turpin, along with VAR, ruled it out, which left Fenerbahce's manager, Jose Mourinho, infuriated. Mourinho's temper flared as he expressed his opinions on officiated decisions, stating, “We should have won this game, but, as I said, we know this is tough.” His acknowledgment of the challenging atmosphere highlights the psychological aspect of away matches.
Among the backdrop of injuries, United's defensive woes continue. With defenders Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia gradually recovering, the situation appears to be on the mend. Malacia, who has not played since May 2023 due to knee injury, has resumed full training recently, and Ten Hag remains optimistic about his return before mid-November.
Ten Hag has to navigate the difficult waters of injury management with key players sidelined, including Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire. On the advice of club staff, he has taken extra caution not to rush Yoro and Malacia back onto the pitch too soon. The manager stated, “We have to do it very carefully because we don’t want to lose them again,” showing his commitment to ensuring player fitness over short-term gains.
With every missed opportunity, the pressure continues to mount. Fans are finding it hard to digest back-to-back matches without tasting victory, with many calling for sharper performances moving forward. Manchester United must take heed of these sentiments as they enter their next Europa League fixtures at Old Trafford with the need for wins imminent.
Despite challenges, there were glimpses of potential within the squad. Ugarte’s roles, along with Onana’s pivotal saves, indicate the high caliber of talent present and the depth within their play. Fans can only hope this developing story of struggle turns toward triumph as the season progresses.
United’s upcoming matches will be pivotal to reigniting their campaign, and Ten Hag will undoubtedly face scrutiny as he leads the team through this challenging phase. The urge for improvement is palpable among supporters, making the upcoming matches highly anticipated.
