FENERBAHCE fans moved one Manchester United player to tears with their hero’s welcome.
Erik ten Hag’s side are in Turkey tonight to continue their Europa League campaign.
Following a disappointing start to the new season, the Dutchman is still fighting for his job.
Ten Hag has put Andre Onana between the sticks for the match in Turkey.
During the warm-ups, however, United’s backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir received a lot of support from home fans.
The stopper spent four years with Fenerbahce before moving to the Premier League in 2023.
Bayindir has failed to get into United’s first team, having served as Onana’s backup for the past 16 months.
During his time in Turkey, the 26-year-old was a fan favourite, with Fenerbahce supporters eager to salute him before the game.
The normally unfriendly Sukru Saracoglu Stadium is known as a difficult environment for away players to visit.
But an emotional Bayindir received a standing ovation from the ultras as he strode out into familiar turf, blowing kisses to the audience.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN-UP DEALS
As he congratulated the supporters, a child leapt over the advertising hoardings and ran onto the field to hug him.
Mario Branco, Fenerbahce’s Director of Football, also handed the goalie with a bunch of flowers to mark his return.
Fenerbahce held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw on a dreary night in Turkey.
Erik ten Hag’s side took the lead in the first half through Christian Eriksen, but En-Nesyri equalized shortly after.
Jose Mourinho, the manager of Fenerbahce, was sent to the stands in the second half after throwing a tantrum on the touchline.
However, the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.
SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rated the performances…
Andre Onana – 7
Made an excellent double save in the 37th minute to keep Youssef En-Nesyri’s two shots out.
His defenders could have done more to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.
Diogo Dalot – 5
He struggled to track back at times and was spared in the first half by Ugarte, who made a critical stop on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6
Made several nice blocks in the first half to hold Fenerbahce at bay.
Following the break, there were a few missed set-piece opportunities.
Victor Lindelof – 4.
Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s first goal and made no attempt to win possession.
Hauled off in the 54th minute.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Like Lindelof, he did not put any pressure on En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Both demonstrated poor communication skills.
Christian Eriksen – 7
United took the lead with a powerful strike into the top left corner from the edge of the area.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Won the ball in the buildup to the first goal and prevented Manchester United from surrendering with a stunning last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.
I was lucky not to give away a penalty after the break.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6
He didn’t appear out of place starting at No. 10. Played a role in setting up the goal by transferring the ball to Zirkzee, who assisted.
Eventually switched to left-back, allowing Martinez to move center.
Marcus Rashford – 5.
Played outside of preferred position and began on the right rather than the left.
Didn’t have much of an impact on the game.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Made a direct run into the area, which helped set up Erikson’s goal.
I challenged Dominik Livakovic several times and looked lively.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
Despite assisting Eriksen’s opening goal, the striker had a dismal overall performance.
He failed to make much of an impression and was removed in the 54th minute.
It was honours even in Turkey, as United were held to a 1-1 draw.
Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho was sent off in a tense match, only moments after being surprised by Onana’s double save.
Bayindir moved to Fenerbahce from Ankaragucu in July 2019.
He quickly established himself as the club’s number one, making over 100 games over the next four seasons.
A man in a suit is conversing with a soccer player on a field.Fenerbahce director Mario Branco gifted the goalkeeper with flowers.
The goalkeeper helped Fenerbahce win the Turkish Cup in 2023 before joining Manchester United on a deadline day for £4.3 million.
Bayindir signed a four-year contract at the Theatre of Dreams.
He made his United debut against Newport County in the FA Cup in January, winning 4-2.