Manchester United fans were reportedly still exiting the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium at 2am on Friday morning following Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce.
Shocking footage has surfaced showing the exit of the 2,500 travelling supporters being restricted to a single small doorway post-match, causing a standstill that lasted over two hours.
The Red Devils’ fans had travelled in droves to Istanbul for an exciting reunion with Jose Mourinho, hoping for their first Europa League victory this season. However, Erik ten Hag’s team squandered a lead, resulting in a fourth consecutive European away match where points were dropped.
Christian Eriksen’s impressive finish completed a smooth move involving Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho and Noussair Mazraoui in the first half.
But shortly after halftime, Allan Saint-Maximin was given room to deliver an inswinging cross from the left, finding Youssef En-Nesyri, who headed an unstoppable shot past Andre Onana.
(Image: Twitter)
United have not won in six European games and have only one victory in their last 11 across the Europa League and Champions League, marking the club’s worst run in 41 years.
Thursday’s draw with Fenerbahce left the Red Devils languishing in 21st place in the league phase, already trailing leaders Lazio by six points. The fans’ misery continued off the pitch as they were held in the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium for hours after the game had ended, reports the Express.
Footage shared on social media showed United supporters attempting to squeeze through a small exit while crowds waited in the concourse. Two hours later, at 1.16am, another attendee revealed that travelling fans were still waiting to leave the stadium.
(Image: Twitter)
Journalist Simon Peach expressed his shock in a tweet, stating he saw a bus full of United fans leaving the stadium as late as 2am. The match in Istanbul kicked off at 10pm due to the two-hour time difference from the UK, making it a late event for the visiting fans.
“2500 fans all made to exit one at a time 2 hours after the final whistle. Absolute disgrace,” tweeted @ManUtdMatchday. This unfortunate treatment would have further soured the experience for many supporters who haven’t seen United win an away game in Europe since their 1-0 victory over Real Betis in March 2023.
The Red Devils’ Europa League fixtures now become easier after challenging back-to-back away games at FC Porto and Fenerbahce. PAOK, Bodo/Glimt and Rangers are set to visit Old Trafford, while Victoria Plzen and Steaua Bucharest will host the matches.
If United fail to secure a spot in the top eight and have to settle for a play-off position, it’ll give Ten Hag two more games he could really do without in February.