Fenerbahce pile more misery on Mourinho

Manchester United produced another disappointing performance as they were deservedly beaten by Fenerbahce in Istanbul.

Just like the 4-0 defeat at Chelsea, the Red Devils got off to a nightmare start but this time through sheer individual brilliance from French striker Moussa Sow. A cross came in from the left and Sow hit a first-time overhead kick, leaving David De Gea with no chance but to watch the ball loop into the back of the net in just the second minute.

Similar problems of late continued when Wayne Rooney squandered a good opportunity when played in by Anthony Martial, but the United skipper's touch was heavy and Martin Skrtel managed to clear the danger.

A poor first half got even worse when Paul Pogba had to be substituted with what appeared to be an injury to the hip area and was replaced by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

United came out more brightly in the second half and Rooney and Mata both had half chances, before Fenerbahce produced a cruel blow just before the hour mark.

From around 25 yards, to the right side of the penalty area, Jeremain Lens curled in a free-kick to the left of David De Gea who didn't even move and seemed to be deceived with the former Sunderland man's set-piece. Nonetheless, it was another brilliant strike from the home side.

Fenerbahce grew in confidence once they went 2-0 up and substitute Emenike had three opportunities to make it 3-0. The former West Ham striker went through on goal, but De Gea closed down the angle well and he could only hit his effort straight at the Spaniard.

The Fenerbahce forward also had a low drive parried away by De Gea and then was inches from converting a Lens cross.

However, Manchester United found a way back into the game just two minutes from normal time via their skipper and it was another brilliant strike. Rooney had the ball 25 yards from goal on the right side of the area and smashed his effort into the top-left corner of the goal to give United a lifeline.

United then piled on the pressure and Rooney almost snatched a dramatic late equalizer when his header seemed to be heading for the back of the net, but was cleared off the line.

Fenerbahce then withstood heavy pressure to hold on for the win.

United were beaten by two fantastic strikes, but continued to look vulnerable defensively and failed to create a great deal of clear-cut chances. It's back to the drawing board for Mourinho.