Fenerbahce boss José Mourinho said his former club Manchester United escaped Istanbul with a point after he was sent to the stands in a 1-1 Uefa Europa League draw on Thursday.

United have drawn all three of their European games this season and a point does little to ease the pressure on under-fire manager Erik ten Hag.

Christian Eriksen fired a depleted United in front on 15 minutes, but Fenerbahce had the better of the chances and got their reward when Youssef En-Nesyri equalised early in the second half.

"We were better than them, so overall a good result for Manchester United," Mourinho said.

A point leaves United languishing in 21st of the 36-team table and with their chances of securing a top-eight finish to progress directly to the last 16 fading.

Fenerbahce are in 14th on five points, with a top-24 finish enough to qualify for the playoff stage.

Mourinho also came into the game under pressure early in his reign with Fenerbahce trailing rivals Galatasaray by eight points at the top of the Turkish Super Lig.

"If we play like this in the Turkish league, we destroy every team," added Mourinho, who was shown a red card for his protests after appeals for a penalty were waived away in the second half. "He (the referee) told me something incredible. He could see the action in the box, and my behaviour on the touchline.

"I congratulate him because it is incredible his peripheral vision. During the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on the bench and my behaviour," Mourinho said. "That is why he is one of the best referees in the world."

United were without 10 players, including captain Bruno Fernandes, due to suspension or injury.

In Fernandes' absence, defender Noussair Mazraoui started in an unfamiliar attacking midfield role and had a part to play in an impressive opening goal. (AFP)