Galatasaray defeated Manchester United in an away tie 2-3 at Old Trafford in the round 2 of the Uefa Champions League.
A day to remember for Galatasaray in the UCL
A banner reading “Welcome to Hell” welcomed Manchester United thirty years ago as they prepared to play Galatasaray. After thirty years, United might have discovered hell in Manchester rather than Istanbul. They went into trouble after suffering their second home loss in four days.
Raphael Varane’s claim that they can win the Champions League has been refuted. Bottom of the group, already defeated six times in all competitions this season, they might not even be participating in the Europa League after Christmas at this rate.
Due to their own mistakes—terrible defending, Casemiro’s misconduct that resulted in his dismissal, and Erik ten Hag’s bad team selection—they lost 3-2. Rasmus Hojlund’s enormous effort, in which he scored twice,, had another goal disallowed and provided a chance that Bruno Fernandes really should have taken, was obscured by United’s ineptitude.
Galatasaray sink United at Old Trafford
Even though the Champions League season has only had two games, Galatasaray has established a reputation for coming back to win. They came back from being down 2-0 to tie 2-2 with Copenhagen in their opening game. And tonight they were behind 1-0 and 2-1 before coming back to win 3-2.
Galatasaray deserves praise for their contribution to this outcome, despite Manchester United’s miserable start to the season. They gave United some risky space and opportunities, but they remained steady and relentless on the break. In the area around the box, Kerem Aktürkoglu was especially active, and he was justly rewarded with the equalizer.
Many believed that United needed this opportunity to regain some stability before the game as they saw it. Now that Onana is producing more expensive mistakes and casemiro’s red card puts United’s future in much more doubt.
Manchester United’s Costly Mistakes gifts Galatasaray the win at Old Trafford
United led twice through Rasmus Højlund, but defensive disasters – and an outrageous André Onana howler – mean a second straight Champions League defeat for United, as their dismal run of form goes on.
In the opening hour, United had plenty of opportunities, but they completely lost their way. Andre Onana wasn’t the only one who seemed to incite concern rather than the calm he was supposed to offer. Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Bruno Fernandes make this team’s seasoned back line appear inexperienced.
How could they become so out of control? Was there a problem with focus? Fitness? Tactics? the entire list? Despite tonight’s encouragement offered from Rasmus Hojlund tonight, Erik ten Hag needs to find solutions immediately away because this team currently lacks conviction.
Erik Ten Haag reacts on Galatasaray Loss
A humiliating loss for Erik ten Hag. His side had some promising moments, but these were ruined by recurring problems. After Rasmus Hojlund’s second goal, they completely lost focus and collapsed. Six losses in ten games is a significant problem.
It was evident following the game how many Galatasaray supporters had entered Old Trafford. Long after the last buzzer sounded, thousands of spectators from all across the field remained to celebrate.
Erik ten Hag speaks regarding the errors that costed his team the game:
“We were twice up and controlling the game, then some mental errors we make. You can’t allow it at this level, you get punished,” he said.
“This is difficult to control but we’re all together, it’s not only one such an error it’s as a team, so we don’t win the game. It’s totally unnecessary, we were in control and you don’t expect this outcome.
“We expect more together. The players with me, we all expect more.
“Hojlund played a very good game, he’s a threat all the way through but now we don’t win the game and so he’s disappointed.”
