Fenerbahce coach Mourinho pulled old tricks in draw with Manchester United

Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho wryly congratulated the referee who sent him off as one of the world’s best after his side drew 1-1 with Manchester United in the Europa League on Thursday. He mockingly called this score a good result for his former club.

The hosts secured a draw after Youssef En-Nesyri headed in a second-half equalizer following an early goal from Christian Eriksen.

Mourinho, however, was usually the center of attention and was shown a red card in the second half after a heated argument with referee Clement Turpin, who he claimed was monitoring his behavior while also monitoring the match.

“The referee told me something incredible. He said that at the same time he sees the actions in the penalty area and my behavior on the sideline,” the Portuguese told TNT Sports.

“I congratulate him because he is simply incredible. During the game at 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and the other on my behavior on the bench.

“That’s why he’s one of the best referees in the world.”

The Portuguese praised his team, who he said were the best team on the night.

“We played amazing. If we play like this in the Turkish league, we will ruin everything because of course we played against a team of a higher level than us,” he said.

“We had injuries. We had a crazy puzzle to solve. Our performance was outstanding. I couldn’t ask for more from the players.”

“I know the English media will say United didn’t play very well, but I think it would be fair to say we played an outstanding game and were better than them. A good result for Manchester United,” added Mourinho, who was sacked by the club. English club in 2018.

United manager Erik ten Hag was disappointed with the result as his side had won one of their last 11 matches in European competition.

“Of course, when you go ahead it shouldn’t be (a draw), we had chances to score a second goal. We’re disappointed that we didn’t win,” he said.

“Fenerbahce is a very good club, with very good fans and good players. This will be a very good ending. We need to keep the ball better in the first half.”

“This is a good team with a good coach. This is a good point. But we want to win. We want to win every game.”