Fenerbahce manager José Mourinho found himself in the spotlight during a Europa League clash against Manchester United, but not for his tactical prowess. Instead, he made headlines after receiving a heated red card.
The fiercely contested match took an intense turn when Mourinho lost his temper following a controversial decision by referee Clement Turpin. In the second half, Fenerbahce’s Bright Osayi-Samuel went down in the penalty area after a challenge from United’s Manuel Ugarte, sparking immediate appeals for a penalty. However, Turpin ignored the claims.
Fuming on the sidelines, Mourinho’s anger was directed at fourth official Jeremy Stinat. His complaints quickly escalated, catching Turpin’s eye, who then showed Mourinho a red card for inappropriate language. Forced to leave the field, Mourinho spent the rest of the game watching from the stands.
The ejection happened at a crucial point in the match, with both teams level at 1-1. Manchester United had initially gone ahead thanks to Christian Eriksen’s goal, only for Fenerbahce to equalize with a second-half header from Youssef En-Nesyri.
Mourinho’s exit added to the already electric atmosphere. Having previously managed Manchester United, where he won the Europa League and League Cup, his history with the club heightened the tension.
In the build-up to the game, Mourinho downplayed his emotional ties to United, emphasizing his focus on elevating Fenerbahce’s status in European competitions.
Despite his respect for United, he stressed that Fenerbahce would be a strong opponent, determined to stand toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite.
However, his fiery reaction overshadowed much of the game itself. Even after his exit, Mourinho’s presence was felt, dominating discussions afterward.
This Europa League match will be remembered not only for the on-field action but as yet another intense chapter in Mourinho’s career, where his passionate responses reshaped the storyline of the encounter.
