In an exhilarating Europa League clash, Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho praised Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana after the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Also Read: Match Preview: Fenerbahce vs. Manchester United – prediction, team news, lineups
Mourinho, who has a history with United, highlighted Onana’s critical saves that helped secure a point for his team against a spirited Fenerbahce side.
Match Highlights
The game began with Christian Eriksen scoring for United in the 15th minute, capitalizing on a counter-attack for his fourth goal of the season.
Just before halftime, Onana showcased his skills with a spectacular double-save, denying the home side from equalizing.
However, Youssef En-Nesyri found the net with a header shortly after the break, leveling the score for Fenerbahce.
Mourinho’s Reaction
Mourinho expressed admiration for Onana’s performance, stating, “Come on, he saved the result. My keeper didn’t make a save; he made two impossible saves. I think he was the most decisive player.”
Despite his team’s strong performance, Mourinho felt the draw was a better result for Manchester United, acknowledging the quality of the Premier League.
Mourinho was shown a red card during the match after vocally contesting a penalty decision, but he refrained from dwelling on the incident, instead directing focus toward his team’s efforts.
He remarked on the quality of the match, stating, “We played amazing. We will destroy every team if we play like this in the league.”
Onana’s Humble Assessment
In contrast to Mourinho’s praise, Onana downplayed his individual accomplishments, emphasizing team success as the priority.
He noted, “The saves are not important; the most important thing is the victory for the team. It is a big disappointment for me and the fans.”
He acknowledged the challenging environment in Istanbul but asserted that his team demonstrated resilience, claiming they had more control and opportunities in the second half. Onana concluded, “We didn’t win, but I thought we were better than them.”
As Manchester United struggles in the Premier League, currently sitting 12th, they will seek to improve their form against West Ha on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Mourinho’s Fenerbahce will face Bodrum on the same day, aiming to continue their strong performances in the league.