It has been a month to forget for Manchester United.
José Mourinho will have hoped a Europa League meeting with Fenerbahçe might provide a welcome distraction from a four-match winless run in the Premier League, but it proved anything but.
Moussa Sow’s early acrobatic effort gave the Turkish side the lead, and on-loan Sunderland winger Jeremain Lens made it 2-0 with a free-kick that beat David De Gea all ends up.
JEREMAİN LENS'İN MANCHESTER UNİTED'A ATTIĞI GOL!; pic.twitter.com/kGCAb8r1g1
— 1453 FENERBAHÇE (@1453Fenerbahce) November 3, 2016
To make matters worse, Paul Pogba was withdrawn with a first-half injury and his replacement, Zlatan Ibrahimović, attracted more attention for what he did with his hands rather than his feet.
Wayne Rooney pulled one back late on, with one of the best goals he has scored in a while, but it wasn’t enough to rescue a point.
At least there was a rare Henrikh Mkhitaryan sighting, but that was scant consolation after a result that leaves Mourinho’s team third in their group with two games remaining.
Pogba’s injury was a huge blow, especially if it ends up ruling him out of United’s weekend meeting with Swansea City, for which Ander Herrera is already suspended.
Oh, now Pogba's injured. Good. Great. Fantastic. Life's going well for Man Utd.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) November 3, 2016
Pogba off injured – so frustrating. Had continued well from where he left off vs Burnley. Zlatan on may slow down approach play.
— Musa Okwonga (@Okwonga) November 3, 2016
But a few United fans were just left admiring the two goals from a home side which didn’t even need to introduce Robin van Persie from the bench.
Fenerbahce look bang average to be honest. Just very good at converting their overhead shin volleys from the edge of the area.
— Si Lloyd (@SmnLlyd5) November 3, 2016
The United manager received plenty of attention for his part in the recent run of form.
I know Jose Mourinho was upset when we didn't hire him to take over from Fergie but this is taking holding a grudge to a whole new level.
— pauliegunn (@PaulGunning1) November 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/UncleBen_/status/794257688901386241
Admittedly, some of it was schadenfreude from other fans.
https://twitter.com/Debaser92/status/794258622343741442
https://twitter.com/FutbolsaCountry/status/794264419605839876
But hey, Henrikh’s back.
https://twitter.com/A_W_Gordon/status/794258557533356036
And Rooney’s scoring. See, it’s not all bad.
That goal was actually Rooney trying to control the ball
— Out of Context Bandwagons (@bifurcated_MBM) November 3, 2016
Swansea City and Bob Bradley must be licking their lips.
