Match report: Manchester United 4-1 Fenerbahce

From the outset, the home team controlled possession but did not manage to create any clear-cut chances until the Turkish side conceded two penalties within three minutes, just after the half hour mark.

The first came after Michael Carrick’s laser accurate 59-yard pass was expertly brought under control by Juan Mata, who was then clumsily brought down by Simon Kjaer. The resulting penalty was fired home by world record signing Pogba, whose unorthodox Zaza-esque run up managed to deceive goalkeeper Volkan Demirel, who dived the wrong way.  

Moments later, Anthony Martial was pulled down in the box by Sener Ozbayrakli after Juan Mata exquisitely put him through. Despite the Old Trafford faithful chanting for Rooney to take the kick, it was the Frenchmen who picked himself from the ground to take the kick and his effort left the keeper with no chance.

Fenerbahce who provide very little attacking threat until this point had a great chance to instantly reply but Souza couldn’t quite wrap his foot around the ball and saw his effort saved by the legs of De Gea.

The floodgates seem to open for United at this point, who played with a verve and flamboyance that was lacking in their previous match, with Pogba and Martial clearly brimming with confidence from their goals. Pogba in particular played with a swagger akin to his days at Juventus and his second goal was another for the highlight reel as he curled his shot from outside the box delightfully into the top corner. 

Fenerbache's manager, Dick Advocaat, made a tactical adjustment at half-time with Simon Kjaer coming off for Emenike, which saw Emenike play in front of van Persie who moved into a number 10 position. Immediately, Fenerbahce looked more potent going forward, however, it was United who would strike next, with Jesse Lingard drilling home an effort from distance shortly after the restart.

The game was effectively over as a contest at this point and in spite of their improvement after the break, Fenerbahce still provided little attacking threat. The game effectively became an exhibition match and Robin Van Persie’s goal on the 83^rd minute drew a warm ovation from the home fans.

The result sees Manchester United move above Fenerbahce into second place in Group A with six points, level on points with group leaders Feyenoord, who are above United based on their head to head records.