Manchester United boast a narrow 1-0 lead heading into the interval at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
Christian Eriksen opened the scoring after just 15 minutes in Istanbul with a crucial strike that came against the run of play. However, it’ll undoubtedly be Andre Onana who’ll reap the praises of his teammates in the dressing room at half time, as his tremendous double save stopped two certain Fenerbahce goals.
The goalkeeper was remarkably equal to Youssef En-Nesyri’s headed effort from point-blank range with a save that would leave any forward ruing their luck – yet the second was even better. He somehow recovered quickly enough to tip over the frontman’s follow-up effort just a split-second later.
Onana stops two certain goals from Fenerbahce talisman
Photo courtesy of TNT Sports.As such, Onana’s heroics meant that the Reds were able to cling onto their one-goal advantage at a time when they were heavily up against it.
Jose Mourinho was visibly stunned on the touchline; he, like El-Nesyri, was in disbelief that neither of the two attempts found their way into the back of the net.
ANDRÉ ONANA. SENSATIONAL! 🤩
Jose Mourinho's reaction to this double-save sums it up…
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/YU9x0EfvFD
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 24, 2024
As it stands, the hosts have had 61 per cent possession to United’s 39 per cent while also having five more shots (seven in total) and three more shots on target (four).
Onana has been one standout performer amidst a turbulent start to the campaign for United. In the Premier League, he boasts the most clean sheets (four) of any of his shot-stopping counterparts.
Should the scoreline stay as it is, Ten Hag will have the Cameroonian to thank come the full-time whistle.
Footage courtesy of TNT Sports.