Manuel Ugarte has kept Manchester United in the lead against Fenerbahce by throwing himself in the way of a Dusan Tadic shot which seemed destined for goal.
The Uruguayan swapped Paris Saint-Germain for Old Trafford in the summer but has struggled to make a significant impact for the Red Devils this season.
In the first half of tonight’s clash in Istanbul, however, the midfielder has been everywhere and his committed defending helped keep United level in the Europa League tie.
With the ball squared into the penalty area by Sebastian Szymański, former Southampton star Tadic looked certain to score but Ugarte managed to block the shot instinctively with an outstretched leg.
TNT Sports commentator Robbie Savage said: ‘That there is magnificent.
Manuel Ugarte has kept Manchester United in the lead against Fenerbahce by throwing himself in the way of a Dusan Tadic shot
Andre Onana’s magnificent double save also contributed to United going in 1-0 up
United took the lead against Fenerbahce in the 15th minute thanks to an emphatic Christian Eriksen strike
‘With his left foot [it’s] absolutely superb, brilliant play.’
United took the lead against Fenerbahce in the 15th minute thanks to an emphatic Christian Eriksen strike after the Dane was teed up by Joshua Zirkzee.
Jose Mourinho’s men tried to work their way back into the game with former Newcastle trickster Alain Saint-Maximin looking his typical threatening self down the right-hand side.
But Ugarte’s intervention as well as magnificent double save from goalkeeper Andre Onana ensured under-pressure Erik ten Hag could give a half-time team talk with his side ahead.
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