Galatasaray fightback puts Manchester United on brink of Champions League exit

ISTANBUL – Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag insisted his side are still going in the right direction, despite a 3-3 draw at Galatasaray on Nov 29 that leaves the Red Devils on the brink of Champions League elimination.

United twice let a two-goal lead slip in Istanbul – at 2-0 and 3-1 – as costly errors from goalkeeper Andre Onana and poor finishing left them bottom of Group A.

Ten Hag’s side need to beat Bayern Munich, who drew 0-0 with FC Copenhagen, in their final match at Old Trafford to stand any chance of qualifying.

But even victory over the German champions will not be enough if the Copenhagen-Galatasaray match on Dec 12 does not end in a draw. Bayern lead the group on 13 points, with Copenhagen and Galatasaray level on five, while United have just four.

“We are going in the right direction, so I know we will be successful in the long term but, if you want to stay in the Champions League, you need to win these games,” said ten Hag.

“You see the style of the team, proactive, dynamic, brave... I’m really pleased with the performance but, at the same time, I have to criticise the team because the defending is not good enough. We are leading 3-1 and we cannot afford mistakes as it makes a difference.”

A huge banner unfurled before kick-off said “Welcome to Hell”, but the vociferous Galatasaray crowd were silenced by two United goals inside 20 minutes.

Alejandro Garnacho scored one of the great Premier League goals with a stunning overhead kick to put United on course for a 3-0 victory at Everton on Nov 26.

The Argentinian winger’s opener against Galatasaray was less spectacular but still impressive, as he rifled into the roof of the net from captain Bruno Fernandes’ pass.

Fernandes then produced a powerful, dipping strike from outside the box that left Fernando Muslera helpless.

United’s five Champions League games this season have produced 26 goals. But failing to hold on to leads has been a recurring failing of ten Hag’s side.

Just before the half-hour mark, Fernandes was guilty of conceding a needless free kick on the edge of his own box.

But Onana must bear the bulk of the blame as he was too easily wrong-footed by his former Ajax Amsterdam teammate Hakim Ziyech, who fired into the bottom corner.

United looked to have restored order at the start of the second period when Scott McTominay restored their two-goal cushion. However, they were again pegged back by another glaring error from their goalkeeper.

Ziyech scored from another free kick, straight at Onana, who conspired only to parry the ball into his own net.

To rub salt into United wounds, it inspired another Galatasaray fightback.

Kerem Akturkoglu’s perfect control and deadly accurate finish flew past Onana at his near post to level proceedings 19 minutes from time.

Despite ten Hag’s optimism, Fernandes criticised his side’s lack of control in Champions League games, in which the whole campaign has been a tale of missed opportunities for the Red Devils.

Twice they led Galatasaray at home before losing 3-2 in October, while they let a two-goal lead slip in a 4-3 defeat by Copenhagen earlier in November.

“It’s too bad, to be honest,” the midfielder told TNT Sports. “What we have been doing in the Champions League is not enough, we have to control our games.

“It’s not the first time. Even Copenhagen, I understand we were one player down (Marcus Rashford was sent off), but we score the 3-2 and we have to secure the result.

“We have to understand these type of games, these stages. You have to be smart enough and manage the game better.

“Everyone has to step up and take responsibility of their own mistakes.”

Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk, meanwhile, felt that a draw was deserved.

“We could have won, but a draw is not a bad result for us. We leave here happy,” he said. AFP, REUTERS