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Manchester United played out a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce, in their third Europa League clash of the 2024/25 season.
United took the lead just 15 minutes in courtesy of Christian Eriksen. However, as the match progressed, Fenerbahce got into it and assumed control of the proceedings.
The Turkish giants got their reward moments after the restart as Youssef En-Nesyri took advantage of some pitiful defending from United to head in the ball.
United are now in 21st position in the Europa League table, having picked up a measly three points from a possible nine.
The Red Devils had 48% possession to Fenerbahce’s 52% share of the ball.
Erik ten Hag’s men registered just five shots on target from their total 12 cracks at goal. In comparison, the Super Lig outfit aimed 10 shots at Andre Onana, with five of these requiring the Cameroonian to swing into action.
United put together 464 passes with a pass accuracy of 84%. Fenerbahce strung 25 passes more, with a slightly better pass completion rate of 84%.
There were several United players who simply didn’t turn up, with Joshua Zirkzee being one of them.
Zirkzee has struggled to acclimate to life at United, since signing for the club in the summer from Bologna. He still has one goal to his name, which he got on the opening day of the Premier League season against Fulham.
Ten Hag has so far demonstrated a preference for Rasmus Hojlund but on this occasion, the Dutch coach gave the nod to Zirkzee ahead of the Dane – a decision that backfired spectacularly.
During the time he was on the pitch before his substitution, Zirkzee failed to attempt a shot, whether on target or off target.
He embarked on one dribble, which he failed to complete.
The Netherlands international touched the ball 21 times and managed to find his teammates with just eight of the 12 passes he tried. One of his passes was a key pass – an assist for Eriksen’s goal.
The former Bologna man tried to connect with two long balls but failed to find his target in both instances.
He delved into four ground duels, winning just one of them. He was required to contest four challenges in their air and came out on top once.
Zirkzee made two clearances.
(Stats obtained from Sofascore)
It was unsurprising that the 23-year-old was one of the first players to be taken off although concerns will now undoubtedly mount over his form for United.
Featured image Burak Kara via Getty Images
