Match Coverage
Jose Mourinho praises “incredible” Manchester United star that left ex-pro in awe vs Fenerbahce
Jose Mourinho has praised a Manchester United star who left one ex-pro in awe following his performance against Fenerbahce on Thursday evening.
Manchester United were forced to settle for their third Europa League draw of the campaign after a 1-1 result against Fenerbahce.
Christian Eriksen gave United the lead with a brilliant finish from the edge of the box in the first half, marking his fourth goal of the season and putting Erik ten Hag‘s men ahead at the break.
Read More: Paul Scholes admits U-turn on Manchester United star following harsh “don’t see” comments
Fenerbahce, however, responded early in the second half, as Youssef En-Nesyri outjumped Victor Lindelöf to head home from close range, following a superb delivery from Allan Saint-Maximin.
Despite both sides making tactical changes in search of a winner, the match ended with neither team able to break the deadlock, resulting in a tense draw in Istanbul.
Mourinho’s praise for Onana
Alongside Eriksen, goalkeeper André Onana was one of United’s best players during the tie, with his highlight no doubt being a brilliant double save to deny En-Nesyri in the first half while United were still 1-0 up.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Mourinho had nothing but good things to say about the Cameroon international.
“Onana made two incredible saves in our fantastic initial period because we started the game so well,” he explained.
“They scored in a situation where we knew that they could, because the pace of the wingers and the arrival of the midfield players was something that we knew that they could hurt us. But I think we had a phenomenal performance.”
Mourinho commented just before the interview that he thought Onana was the Player of the Match.
Asked why he said this, Mourinho replied: “Come on. He saved the result.
“My goalkeeper didn’t make a save. He made two impossible saves in 10 seconds. I think he’s the most decisive player in the result. Of course, he didn’t make 20 saves, but he made two saves that are incredible. Onana can do it.”
Left an ex-pro in awe
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson was left in awe of Onana’s double save. SPekaing at half-time, Robinson said: “The double save from Andre Onana was incredible.
“It’s what goalkeepers do in training – they are up and down. We regularly do it in training, but that’s part of their fitness. It is very rare that we put those saves together.
“Having the quality for two saves like that is something special.”
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