Manchester United fans have criticized centre-back Victor Lindelof for his disappointing performance for the side in their game against Fenerbahce. The Red Devils played out a 1-1 draw away from home in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, October 24, dropping points for a third straight game in the competition.
The Red Devils dropped points in their first league phase game against FC Twente before a 3-3 draw against FC Porto in Portugal. Captain Bruno Fernandes was suspended for the Fenerbahce game having picked up a red card against Porto, leaving his side light in midfield.
Following a run of one win in six games, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag opted to shuffle his pack for the trip to Istanbul. The manager named Sweden international Victor Lindelof in the starting XI for the clash alongside Matthijs De Ligt at the heart of defense.
Christian Eriksen's (15') first-half strike was cancelled out by Youssef En-Nesyri in the 49th minute. The Moroccan striker got on the end of a delightful cross from Allan Saint-Maximin and headed home from close range. Many fans blamed Lindelof for En-Nesyri's strike as the Swede failed to keep track of his run.
United fans were vocal with their criticism of Lindelof on X. One fan wrote:
"I never want to see Lindelof in a United shirt again."
Here are some other reactions from fans:
"Lindelof, this draw is on you", a fan wrote.
"hilarious how lindelof is still at united. Was proven poor 4 years ago", another wrote.
"If lindelof didn’t have a brain fart we’d still be ahead #mufc", a fan posted.
"More HUGE question marks over Erik Ten Clueless after that. More poor selections - STILL messing about with the likes of Lindelof in defence, then bizarrely choosing to go down to 10 men by bringing Spintony on. Poor performance. Poor team. Awful manager", another wrote.
"If Lindelof didn’t have an absolute nightmare we’d have won the game. I’ll take a draw away tbh", an X user posted.
Lindelof was subbed off after 55 minutes and replaced by Casemiro. The Swede seemed unhappy with the decision to take him off, but United did pose more of a threat in the remainder of the second half.
Jose Mourinho sees red as Manchester United drop points against Fenerbahce
Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho finds himself in the headlines once again as his Fenerbahce side played out a 1-1 draw against his old club in the UEFA Europa League. The manager was sent to the stands in the second half for remonstrating with the referee after he felt that Bright Osayi-Samuel had been fouled in the opposition box by Manuel Ugarte.
Manchester United took the lead through veteran midfielder Christian Eriksen after just 15 minutes in Istanbul. The Denmark international has made it two goals and two assists for him in three Europa League appearances this season.
Fenerbahce kept plugging away, and their equaliser came early in the second half. Allan Saint-Maximin stood up a brilliant cross, which was attacked by striker Youssef En-Nesyri to draw level in the 49th minute. Neither side managed any more goals for the remainder of the game as they settled for a point apiece.