Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho wryly hailed the referee who sent him off as one of the best in the world after his side drew 1-1 with Manchester United in the Europa League on Thursday, a result he called teased a good result for his former club.

The hosts equalized after Youssef En-Nesyri equalized with a second-half header following an early goal from Christian Eriksen.

Mourinho, however, was usually in the spotlight and was shown a red card in the second half after a heated argument with referee Clement Turpin, who he claimed was monitoring his behavior while simultaneously watching the match.

“The referee told me something incredible. He said at the same time that he could see the action in the box and my behavior on the touchline,” the Portuguese told TNT Sports.

“I congratulate him because he is absolutely incredible. During the game, at 100 miles an hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on my behavior on the bench.

“That’s why he’s one of the best referees in the world.”

The Portuguese was full of praise for his side, who he said were the best team on the night.

“We played extraordinary. If we play like that in the Turkish league we destroy everything because of course we played against a team with a higher level than us,” he said.

“We had injuries. We had to do a crazy puzzle. Our performance was extraordinary. I couldn’t have asked more from the players.

“I know the English press will say that United didn’t play well, but I think it would be fair to say that we played a great game and were better than them. A good result for Man Utd,” added Mourinho, who was sacked by the English club in 2018.

United manager Erik ten Hag was disappointed with the result, with his side now winning one of their last 11 matches in European competition.

“Of course when you take the lead it shouldn’t happen, we had chances to score a second goal. Disappointed not to win,” he said.

“Fenerbahce is a very good club with very good fans and some good players. It would be a very good final. We should keep the ball better in the first half.

“They are a good team with a good manager. It’s not a bad point. But we want to win. We want to win every game.”