A hat-trick from Tuncay sank a second-string United team, who surrendered top spot in Group D to Lyon.

Tuncay volleyed Umit Ozat's right-wing cross in off the underside of the bar on 46 minutes for Fenerbahce's opener.

He added his second 15 minutes later with a header and completed his hat-trick in stoppage time with a low shot.

With nearly all his stars left at home, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson placed his faith in his back-up squad and Phil Neville captained a side showing only two changes from the team which defeated Arsenal in the Carling Cup seven days ago.

But the opening half was a disappointingly flat goalless affair, with the home side already assured of a Uefa Cup slot and United already into the Champions League knock-out stages.

Tim Howard saved the first shot of the match, comfortably holding Turkish international Tuncay's long-range effort.

A decent free-kick from Fenerbahce's Alex required some nimble footwork from Howard, although the United keeper saved.

Another set-piece from the same player whistled wide as the half drew to a close, although Howard had the shot covered.

But if the first half was dull, the second was illuminated within two minutes of the restart with a superb goal from Tuncay.

Umit Ozat rifled in a right-foot cross which Tuncay hit full on the volley, diverting the ball over his shoulder and in off the underside of the bar.

United wasted a glorious chance to equalise when a quick break saw them with players to spare in the box, but the assembled strikers over-elaborated and the move ended with Kieran Richardson firing into the side netting.

They were made to pay for their wastefulness on 61 minutes as Tuncay bagged his second, heading in from close range after Alex's free-kick from the right.

That goal seemed to kill off the match as a contest, with United lacking the creative spark to unlock Fenerbahce, who were happy to let the visitors attack.

Tuncay blasted in a low shot with 10 minutes remaining, but Howard saved with ease.

But he was not to be denied a hat-trick, and netted his third as Fenerbahce broke in stoppage time, rifling a low drive past Howard.

Fenerbahce: Rustu, Turaci, Luciano, Cetin, Ozat, Balci (Yozgatli 71), Sahin, Aurelio, Tuncay Sanli, Alex, Marcio Nobre, Akin (Demirel 90).

Subs Not Used: Rodriguez, Hacioglu, Akin, Erdogdu, Sergen.

Booked: Aurelio.

Goals: Tuncay 46, 62, 90.

Man Utd: Howard, Phil Neville, Brown (Pique 66), O'Shea, Fortune, Ronaldo, Djemba-Djemba, Fletcher, Richardson (Spector 68), Miller (Eagles 77), Bellion.

Subs Not Used: Ricardo, Jones, McShane, Ebanks-Blake.

Booked: Djemba-Djemba.

Att: 35,000

Ref: Arturo Dauden Ibanez (Spain).