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Jose Mourinho says Man United paid the price for a slow start against Fenerbahce

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Jose Mourinho was left unimpressed by his Manchester United squad as they lost 2-1 at Fenerbahce in the Europa League

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was not very happy with his side after they suffered a 2-1 Europa League defeat at Fenerbahce.

United produced a flat display in Turkey against a pumped-up home team, who took the lead in the second minute thanks to a sensational overhead-kick from Moussa Sow.

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The visitors continued to struggle and fell further behind when Jeremain Lens scored direct from a second-half free-kick, which ensured Wayne Rooney's fine late strike was just a consolation.

United had comfortably defeated the Turks 4-1 in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford two weeks ago and Mourinho said he made it clear to his side that things would not be so easy this time.

"It was like they were playing a Champions League final and we were playing a summer friendly," said Mourinho.

"I passed on all my experience. Play against them in our home is easy - you come to Turkey and it's completely different.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - NOVEMBER 03:  Moussa Sow of Fenerbahce celebrates scoring his sides first goal with team mates during the UEFA Europa League Group A mat
Image: Fenerbahce celebrate Moussa Sow's brilliant opener

"But we started the game sleeping. They started at 100mph, we started really slow."

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With Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling out, United used Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo in the heart of the defence.

And Mourinho added: "We are playing with two left backs in the centre.

"We don't mark and then the game is a different story. They are where they want to be and can control the game.

"They simulate a few falls, put pressure on the referee, provoke some conflicts, but it's not their fault - it's our fault.

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"It is our fault that we let them be in front. I think we did not deserve [to win], as for me football is from the first second.

"Fenerbahce played an emotional game and they deserved it."

Fenerbahce boss Dick Advocaat was unsurprisingly pleased with their display and said: "I think they deserve credit for the way they played as a team.

"When we had the goal we were not scared to attack. We scored two but could have had four or five."

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