The 'Special One' Mourinho showed his famous magic touch in Holland, rubbishing claims he's flagging

By Alessandro Schiavone in Entschede

Europa League, Matchday 2

FC Twente 1-1 Fenerbahçe

Goals: Vlap (T), Tadic (F)

José Mourinho expertly worked his magic by bringing on Edin Dzeko and Allan Saint-Maximin at just the right time to claim a precious away point at FC Twente with his Fenerbahçe side.

The east Dutch took the lead through a Michel Vlap header which bounced off the floor before looping over goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. Despite the Turks stranglehold on the game in terms of created goal chances, they were suddenly trailing.

Youssef En-Nesyri saw a shot parried by Lars Unnerstall’s outstretched arm through on goal before Alexander Djiku thumped one onto the crossbar much to the ex-Chelsea manager’s frustration.

And he was lucky not to fall two goals behind when Livakovic kept out Youri Reeger's weak shot minutes later.

But greatness starts with an idea and Mourinho was never going to lose against an on-paper low-rent opposition in terms of marquee names.

What the Dutch lack in quality they make up for in team spirit, intensity and mettle. As Man United found out themselves a fortnight ago.

The double introduction helped them turn defence into attack quicker and create a door in the ceiling.

Out of nowhere Dusan Tadic, who spent two years at Twente until 2014, latched on to a well-weighted pass into space by Sofyan Amrabat before chipping the German.

After the game Mourinho said that he was "pleased" with how the goal came about, adding that they had rehearsed this move in training.

This was exactly the same side the Special One would have faced  in the 2010/2011 Champions League opener had he not walked out on Inter as a Champions League winner for Real Madrid in 2010. 

Back then the game ended 2-2 with Wesley Sneijder and Samuel Eto’o on target for Walter Benitez’s Nerazzurri.

It’s undeniable that prime Mourinho would have won either game.

But yesterday he delivered glimpses of his old-self and to those who say he’s flagging, don’t write him off just yet.

Sentiment isn't clouding judgement here, Mourinho has what it takes to do like Ancelotti after Everton and re-reach the top.

Winning a trophy with the Istanbul club could spell a return to a glorious post.