iManchester United will look to bounce back from their defeat to Crystal Palace when they host Galatasaray in the Champions League. The Red Devils lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace in the league on Saturday. Galatasaray comes into the match after defeating Ankaragucu 2-1 in Turkey’s first division. It moved them to the top of the standings.
Preview (Manchester United vs. Galatasaray)
Man United has lost five of its first nine games in all competitions this season. That includes four of its first seven Premier League games of 2023–24. The Red Devils have had their poorest start to a league campaign in 34 years. They currently lie in 10th place in the standings with just nine points from seven games. After losing 4-3 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on September 20, Erik ten Hag’s team was able to defeat Burnley and Palace in back-to-back victories in the league and EFL Cup, respectively. However, they were unable to upset a resolute Palace team at Old Trafford.
Due to Man United’s setback in Munich, they are already playing catch-up in Group A. Ten Hag will undoubtedly be under pressure to perform well on Tuesday before the squad turns its focus back to the Premier League and welcomes Brentford to Old Trafford on October 7. Prior to the international break, two victories would inspire optimism. Nevertheless, two losses or other disappointing outcomes would exacerbate the discontent.
Six previous matches between Man United and Galatasaray have ended in a draw. The Red Devils hold a two-to-one advantage in victories. Their most recent encounter took place in the 2012–13 Champions League group stage. Man United won 1-0 at Old Trafford but lost 1-0 in Turkey. Galatasaray hasn’t made it past the group stage of the Champions League since the 2019–20 season. They haven’t advanced to the competition’s knockout round since 2013–14. In their inaugural Group A match, the Turkish champions and Copenhagen drew 2-2. Sacha Boey and Tete each scored in the waning moments to give their team a share of the victory.
Team News
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo, and Amad Diallo will all be out injured for Man United on Tuesday night. Jadon Sancho is also absent since he hasn’t resumed practicing with the first team after his altercation with Ten Hag, but Antony might be back after returning to the team after taking a leave of absence. Due to a minor injury, Sergio Reguilon was unable to play against Palace, but he might return in time for this match at left-back, allowing Sofyan Amrabat to replace Casemiro in the center of the field.
For this game, Bruno Fernandes may switch to the right, where Rasmus Hojlund, who scored against Bayern last time out in the competition, will be joined by Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford. Kazimcan Karatas will once again be out for Galatasaray due to injury. Hakim Ziyech was only able to exercise individually on Sunday morning owing to an ailment. He is also a huge question for the visitors. Icard has scored 10 goals in 12 games across all competitions this season. He will be accompanied by Dries Mertens and Kerem Akturkoglu.
Zaha, an Ivory Coast international who scored against Ankaragucu in the league on Saturday, could start against his former team if Ziyech is not deemed fit. Man United is playing in a crucial football match, and Galatasaray may likely make things worse for the Red Devils on Tuesday night. We anticipate the 20-time English champions to find a way to a decisive three points, though, under the lights at Old Trafford and supported by a faithful fan base.
Manchester United 2 – 1 Galatasary
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