Man United loses at Fenerbahce 2-1 in Europa League

Manchester United’s attacking problems continued as it lost to Fenerbahce 2-1 in the Europa League on Thursday, leaving it at risk of a group-stage exit.

United beat Fenerbahce 4-1 at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, but arrived in Turkey after drawing with Burnley 0-0, during which it dominated and had 37 chances.

Again, Jose Mourinho’s side failed to convert a glut of possession into goals, but this time it also struggled to create opportunities. Its attacking intent increased briefly after Zlatan Ibrahimovic replaced the injured Paul Pogba half an hour in.

United’s struggles in front of goal, however, are being reflected by Ibrahimovic, who netted five goals in as many matches to get his career with the club off to a flying start, but has managed to score just once in the last 11 matches.

“They deserved to win. Football is not just about quality, it’s about effort, commitment, playing the limits, and giving everything,” Mourinho said. “A team that concedes a goal after two minutes is a team that is not ready, is a team that is not mentally prepared, not focused, not concentrated …

“After their second goal we had a reaction … but we didn’t deserve more. Our problem started in our attitude. They were playing the Champions League final and we were playing a summer friendly.”

United’s David De Gea was by far the busier goalkeeper.

Moussa Sow put Fenerbahce in front after only 66 seconds with a stunning overhead kick from just inside the area, and Jermaine Lens doubled the Turkish side’s lead with a magnificent free kick in the 59th, much to the delight of a raucous home crowd. De Gea hardly moved for it.

Fenerbahce threatened to score a third. Emmanuel Emenike should have sealed matters but just failed to connect with Lens’ cross, at full stretch in front of an empty goal.

Wayne Rooney netted a late consolation, smashing the ball into the top corner from 30 yards to move level with Ruud van Nistelrooy on 38 European goals for United. The captain is two goals from tying Bobby Charlton’s record of 249 for United.

Fenerbahce leapfrogged United into top spot in Group A, level on points with Feyenoord, which drew at Zorya Luhansk 1-1. United slipped to third, one point off the pace.

Here’s a look at other matches:

ATHLETIC BILBAO 5, GENK 3

Aritz Aduriz netted all five goals for Bilbao to hand the Spanish side a much-needed win in Group F. With two penalties, Aduriz put his side 3-1 up at the break. Genk closed to within one, but Aduriz scored his fourth and converted his third penalty in stoppage time.

Bilbao moved level on points with Genk on top of the group, one above Sassuolo and Rapid Vienna, who drew 2-2 in Italy after two goals in the final five minutes for the visitors.

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