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8 minutes ago
Galatasaray vs Man United live score updates: Reaction as six-goal thriller ends in 3-3 draw
Manchester United surrendered a two-goal lead to draw in Istanbul, leaving their hopes of reaching the knockout stage hanging in the balance
Michael Dominski
November 29, 2023 at 9:05 pm
Galatasaray vs Man United live score updates: Reaction as six-goal thriller ends in 3-3 draw
(Photo: Getty Images)
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Michael Dominski
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United – Goals
11′: Alejandro Garnacho darts into space in the Galatasaray box and slams the ball into the roof of the net to open the scoring for Manchester United.
18′: Bruno Fernandes curls a brilliant strike into the top corner of the net from outside the box to double United’s lead.
29′: Hakim Ziyech wrongfoots Andre Onana with a direct free kick and cuts United’s lead to 2-1.
55′: Scott McTominay restores United’s two-goal lead, finishing off a clinical counter-attack.
62′: Ziyech scores from another free kick to halve the hosts’ deficit, this one from further out and helped by another Onana error.
71′: Kerem Aktürkoglu powers the ball home at the near post to incredibly level the match at 3-3.
Sign up for more of The Athletic’s brilliant coverage using our latest offer here.
Adam Crafton
November 29, 2023 at 9:05 pm
Adam Crafton
Football Writer
Andre Onana has been to central to United’s Champions League rollercoaster
Andre Onana has been to central to United’s Champions League rollercoaster
(Photo: Getty Images)
Andre Onana’s performance in the Champions League this season has been quite mad. I can’t remember one player being so definitively involved in an entire group stage campaign.
Several goals directly to blame for at Bayern. Caused Casemiro to get sent off and then fell over for a one-on-one at home against Galatasaray. Then saved a penalty in second-half stoppage time against Copenhagen. Then dived the wrong way for a free kick tonight. Then pirouetted on the halfway line. Then fell over for another one-on-one, which was thankfully offside for his sake. Then mishandled the second free-kick goal.
Don’t forget, David de Gea is still a free agent…
November 29, 2023 at 8:53 pm
Adam Crafton
Football Writer
Hard to believe United failed to win
A game of total madness. Not a second to pause. Hugely entertaining.
But it’s scandalous that Manchester United failed to win. They should be able to close out from 2-0 and 3-1 up. Even late on, they had so many chances to win it but constantly took wrong the decisions.
It’s remarkable that United have scored nine goals away from home in this group and failed to win any of those three matches.
November 29, 2023 at 8:50 pm
Dan Sheldon
Manchester United Correspondent
Manchester United have only themselves to blame
(Photo: Getty Images)
Manchester United were their own worst enemy tonight. Their goals were superb and they created chance after chance.
But silly fouls and questionable goalkeeping have cost them a vital win in Istanbul.
November 29, 2023 at 8:48 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Updated group standings
Manchester United remain in last place and are relying on results elsewhere in order to reach the knockout stages. If Copenhagen beat Bayern Munich in Germany tonight, United will be eliminated from contention.
Even if they survive tonight, to have any hope of progressing to the last 16 they will need, at a minimum, to beat Bayern at Old Trafford on the final matchday.
November 29, 2023 at 8:38 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
FT: Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United
That’s it! The whistle blows for full-time and this remarkable and chaotic match is over.
It’s a result that really suits neither team, but suits Manchester United the least given they led the match by two goals and remain in last place in Group A.
November 29, 2023 at 8:37 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Second-half stoppage time
90+1’ Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United
We’re into just three minutes of stoppage time here.
November 29, 2023 at 8:37 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Torreira error nearly costs Galatasaray
90’ Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United
Torreira nearly gifts United a winner!
Dalot whips a cross into the Galatasaray box, where Torreira makes a mess of his clearance. The ball comes right to Pellistri, but Muslera rushes out and manages to smother his shot from point-blank range. Torreira jubilantly thanks his countryman for mopping up his mistake.
November 29, 2023 at 8:33 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
United searching for winner
88’ Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United
United have a series of chances in Galatasaray’s box but can’t force the ball home. Martial had the best of the chances but Muslera dealt with it well.
The hosts make their final change, bringing on Kerem Demirbay for Wilfried Zaha.
November 29, 2023 at 8:29 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Fernandes hits the post!
85’ Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United
Fernandes hits the post with another brilliant strike from beyond the Galatasaray box!
November 29, 2023 at 8:29 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Zaha wastes chance
84’ Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United
Former United player Zaha has a fantastic chance to break the hearts of his old supporters, but his strike is a weak one and comfortably collected by Onana.
November 29, 2023 at 8:28 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Double change for Galatasaray
82’ Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United
Baris Alper Yilmaz replaces Hakim Ziyech and Victor Nelsson comes on for Angelino. Both sides now have one sub remaining.
November 29, 2023 at 8:26 pm
Dan Sheldon
Manchester United Correspondent
‘Your nightmare is back again’
(Photo: Getty Images)
This banner feels all too relevant to Mancheter United’s Champions League struggles this season.
November 29, 2023 at 8:24 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Pellistri, Dalot join the fray
78’ Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United
McTominay came within inches of re-taking the lead for United a minute ago, just barely missing wide of the post.
Facundo Pellistri and Diogo Dalot come on to replace Alejandro Garnacho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. United have one sub remaining.
November 29, 2023 at 8:22 pm
Carl Anka
Man Utd Correspondent
United’s defence has been their undoing
75’ Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United
Manchester United have scored 12 goals in the Champions League group stage this season, third most among all teams.
Yet they are bottom of Group A as it stands. They simply cannot control games and their goalkeeper cannot stop making blunders. Remarkable.
November 29, 2023 at 8:18 pm
Dan Sheldon
Manchester United Correspondent
Aktürkoglu’s goal
73’ Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United
Rams Park is rocking again. Kerem Aktürkoglu’s superb equaliser, beating Andre Onana at the near post from distance, has breathed new life into an already memorable atmosphere.
United have been their own worst enemy in the second half and will only have themselves to blame if they fail to win this match having led 1-3.
November 29, 2023 at 8:15 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
GOAL! Galatasaray have levelled the match!
71’ Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United
Would you believe it?!
November 29, 2023 at 8:11 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Chance for Galatasaray
65’ Galatasaray 2-3 Manchester United
The hosts really have their tails up now and are pressing for an equaliser. Akturkoglu looks to curl a shot around Onana but it’s a relatively easy save for the keeper.
A pass to Angelino may have been the better option.
Catching up on some housekeeping, Wan-Bissaka was booked a few minutes ago for a bad foul.
November 29, 2023 at 8:09 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Ziyech’s second goal
64’ Galatasaray 2-3 Manchester United
It’s Ziyech from a free kick again, with help from an Onana error again.
This free kick is from much further out. Ziyech whips a curling ball in. Onana hesitates, waiting to see if any player gets a head to the ball, but it’s flight takes it into the keeper’s feet and it somehow bundles home after hitting his hand! Really poor from the Onana, it has to be said.
November 29, 2023 at 8:06 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
GOAL! Galatasaray pull one back again!
62’ Galatasaray 2-3 Manchester United
Ziyech scores again!
November 29, 2023 at 8:05 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Double change for Galatasaray
60’ Galatasaray 1-3 Manchester United
The hosts respond by making two changes of their own, bringing on Sergio Oliveira for Tanguy Ndombele and Kerem Akturkoglu for Dries Mertens.
November 29, 2023 at 8:03 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Shaw booked
59’ Galatasaray 1-3 Manchester United
Shaw goes rashly into a challenge on Ziyech and becomes the latest player to be shown a yellow card.
November 29, 2023 at 8:02 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Mainoo comes on for Manchester United
58’ Galatasaray 1-3 Manchester United
Ten Hag makes two changes, bringing on Kobbie Mainoo for Sofyan Amrabat, who had been booked, and Anthony Martial for Rasmus Hojlund.
GO FURTHER
Breaking down why there is such excitement about Kobbie Mainoo
November 29, 2023 at 8:01 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
McTominay continues goalscoring run
56’ Galatasaray 1-3 Manchester United
It’s a clinical counter-attacking move by United that feeds the ball out wide to Wan-Bissaka on the right wing in space.
He crosses for an unmarked McTominay at the near post, and he pokes the ball home into an open near post.
McTominay has now scored six goals for club and country this season.
November 29, 2023 at 7:59 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
GOAL! United get a third!
55’ Galatasaray 1-3 Manchester United
McTominay scores a crucial goal for United!
November 29, 2023 at 7:59 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Ayhan booked
54’ Galatasaray 1-2 Manchester United
Boey misses a headed clearance, allowing Garnacho to break forward down the left wing. He moves towards the centre of the pitch before hitting a shot that misses wide of the far post.
Ayhan is booked in the aftermath for dissent, feeling that Boey was fouled.
November 29, 2023 at 7:53 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Unlikely chance for centre-back
48’ Galatasaray 1-2 Manchester United
Galatasaray find defender Kaan Ayhan with a cross at the near post, and his flick-on hits the side-netting.
For a brief moment, the home supporters thought Ayhan had levelled the match.
November 29, 2023 at 7:49 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Second half is underway!
46’ Galatasaray 1-2 Manchester United
Galatasaray get the ball rolling and we’re back underway in Istanbul!
November 29, 2023 at 7:48 pm
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Reminder: Subscribe to The Athletic
In case you missed it, you can sign up for more of The Athletic’s brilliant coverage via our latest gift offer for the holidays right here.
Don’t miss out!
November 29, 2023 at 7:45 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Fernandes leading the way
(Photo: Getty Images)
Bruno Fernandes recorded both a goal and an assist in the first half. He’s now done so in 16 different games for Manchester United since his debut in February 2020, the joint-most of any player for a Premier League club over this period, along with Mohamed Salah.
Fernandes has also now recorded eight assists in the Champions League since the start of the 2021 season, which stands as the third most in the competition despite United not appearing in the UCL last season.
November 29, 2023 at 7:41 pm
Dan Sheldon
Manchester United Correspondent
United’s first goal
(Photo: Getty Images)
Manchester United’s first goal was a brilliant team move that started with Andre Onana and ended with Alejandro Garnacho scoring a brilliant strike into the roof of the net.
The forward then celebrated in front of the Galatasaray fans, which led to objects being thrown at the United players.
November 29, 2023 at 7:38 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
A look at Ziyech’s goal
(Photo: Getty Images)
Hakim Ziyech wrongfooted Andre Onana by going around the near side of Manchester United’s wall instead of over it.
November 29, 2023 at 7:36 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Icardi was this close
We’ve just seen the semi-automated offside images that ruled Icardi’s potential equaliser from a few moments ago offside, any boy was it close! We’re talking inches.
November 29, 2023 at 7:35 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
HT: Galatasaray 1-2 Manchester United
Manchester United are halfway to a vital result, but this match could absolutely go either way after the break!
November 29, 2023 at 7:34 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Amrabat booked
45+2’ Galatasaray 1-2 Manchester United
Amrabat catches Torreira as both players contest for a loose ball and joins Fernandes in the book.
November 29, 2023 at 7:33 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
First-half stoppage time
45+1’ Galatasaray 1-2 Manchester United
Two minutes are added on to the end of a breathless first half.
November 29, 2023 at 7:31 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Icardi goal disallowed!
43’ Galatasaray 1-2 Manchester United
For a moment it looked like Icardi had levelled the match, slamming the ball home on a clean breakaway, but the flag goes up for offside afterward.
VAR checks the offside call and confirms it. Replays show it was quite close. The whistles inside Rams Park somehow reach a new level of deafening noise.
November 29, 2023 at 7:29 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Boey booked
42’ Galatasaray 1-2 Manchester United
Boey dumps Garnacho to the floor going through the back of him and becomes the first Galatasaray player to be shown a yellow card in this match.
The Turkish sides are putting in physical challenges all over the pitch, hoping to prevent United from feeling comfortable on the ball.
November 29, 2023 at 7:22 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Chance for Zaha
35’ Galatasaray 1-2 Manchester United
United’s defence are all over the shop as Galatasaray press for an equaliser.
A loose ball comes to Zaha but Maguire sprints across just in time to block his shot.
November 29, 2023 at 7:19 pm
Dan Sheldon
Manchester United Correspondent
Memories of losing to Copenhagen come to mind…
32’ Galatasaray 1-2 Manchester United
This is now a big test for United. They took a 0-2 lead away to Copenhagen earlier in the group stages and ended up losing 4-3.
Ten Hag and his players can’t afford to lose tonight’s match, as it would result in them being eliminated from the Champions League.
November 29, 2023 at 7:18 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Ziyech’s goal
30’ Galatasaray 1-2 Manchester United
It’s a mistake from Onana that has let Galatasaray back into this contest.
As Ziyech steps forward to strike the free kick, the goalkeeper steps towards his left, expecting the shot to come over the wall. Ziyech instead shoots around the wall in the opposite direction Onana is stepping, and a quite savable shot hits the back of the net!
Ziyech and Onana were team-mates at Ajax for several seasons, so the forward may have known what movement to expect from the keeper!
November 29, 2023 at 7:15 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
GOAL! Galatasaray pull one back!
29’ Galatasaray 1-2 Manchester United
Ziyech has scored from the free kick Fernandes conceded!
November 29, 2023 at 7:14 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Fernandes booked
27’ Galatasaray 0-2 Manchester United
Fernandes trips Torreira up on the edge of United’s box and becomes the first player to be shown a yellow card in this match.
The action has been breathless thus far, open play and constant rushes up and down the pitch.
November 29, 2023 at 7:10 pm
Dan Sheldon
Manchester United Correspondent
Fernandes momentarily silences crowd
24’ Galatasaray 0-2 Manchester United
Ten Hag said he wanted to hear the Galatasaray fans whistling and he has been granted his wish. The whistling in the build-up to Fernandes’ goal was deafening, but the United captain stunned Rams Park into silence and zapped the energy coming from the home fans.
They will no doubt respond and continue to create a raucous atmosphere, but the visitors are in a controlling position now and are looking to add a third.
November 29, 2023 at 7:09 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
What a turnaround
(Photo: Getty Images)
21’ Galatasaray 0-2 Manchester United
In the space of just a few minutes, Galatasaray went from thinking they’d have a golden opportunity to level the match from the penalty spot to falling two goals behind.
They may have still been stewing over VAR’s decision not to award a penalty against McTominay when Fernandes curled an incredible strike into the top corner of the net from distance.
November 29, 2023 at 7:05 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
GOAL! United double their lead!
18’ Galatasaray 0-2 Manchester United
Fernandes has scored a brilliant goal!
November 29, 2023 at 7:05 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Onana playing with fire
17’ Galatasaray 0-1 Manchester United
Onana kicks the ball straight to Galatasaray but makes a diving intervention to steal the ball away from Icardi to make up for his mistake.
GO FURTHER
Premier League goalkeepers keep passing straight to the opposition – what’s going on?
November 29, 2023 at 7:04 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
No penalty!
16’ Galatasaray 0-1 Manchester United
VAR pauses the game briefly to review the play, but decide not to intervene!
That’s not consistent at all with the penalty given to PSG during second-half stoppage time last night against Newcastle, but to be fair, the VAR from that match has been stood down in response to that incident.
GO FURTHER
PSG vs Newcastle VAR taken off next Champions League game
November 29, 2023 at 7:02 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Appeal for Galatasaray penalty!
15’ Galatasaray 0-1 Manchester United
Torreira forces a save from Onana from point-blank range on a corner.
Moments later, a loose ball is hit into McTominay’s arm and the Galatasaray players are demanding a penalty!
November 29, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Garnacho’s goal
14’ Galatasaray 0-1 Manchester United
Fernandes and Hojlund play some lovely football in tight spaces at the edge of Galatasaray’s box before feeding the ball out wide to Garnacho in space on the left wing.
Garnacho, who scored the goal of his life against Everton over the weekend, darts forward and slams the ball into the roof of the net from close range!
Galatasaray have now conceded the first goal in each of their five Champions League group-stage games this season.
November 29, 2023 at 6:57 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
GOAL! United in front!
11’ Galatasaray 0-1 Manchester United
Garnacho has scored!
November 29, 2023 at 6:57 pm
Dan Sheldon
Manchester United Correspondent
Deafening noise
11’ Galatasaray 0-0 Manchester United
Anytime Manchester United are in possession Rams Park comes to life and the whistling from the home crowd is deafening.
Despite the noise, United are comfortable playing out from the back and it does not seem to be hindering them.
November 29, 2023 at 6:55 pm
Carl Anka
Man Utd Correspondent
United wearing red shorts for first time in decades
(Photo: Getty Images)
Manchester United are playing in red shorts tonight for the first time in well over 50 years.
The factual reason for that is to create a tonal contrast to the Galatasaray kit.
However, the more fun explanation for the change is to say United are playing in Turkish National Team colours to confuse the home fans.
November 29, 2023 at 6:52 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Chance for Hojlund
5’ Galatasaray 0-0 Manchester United
Garnacho breaks down the left wing before crossing for Hojlund.
The striker can’t sort his feet out but the ball deflects off his heel and, looping up in the air, nearly finds the back of the net anyway!
In the end, it rolls harmlessly out for a goal kick instead.
November 29, 2023 at 6:51 pm
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Gala are threats all across the pitch
Galatasaray’s full-backs, Angelino on the left and Sacha Boey on the right, are both pacey, dynamic players who can put in good crosses.
Inverted wingers Wilfried Zaha and Ziyech will be well known to Premier League fans.
And Mauro Icardi has ice in his veins up front.
They are no minnows. One might even call them favourites.
November 29, 2023 at 6:48 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Iconic tifo
(Photo: Dan Sheldon)
Speaks for itself, really.
GO FURTHER
Attacked, detained, deported: Inside Man United’s ‘Welcome to Hell’ game, 30 years on
November 29, 2023 at 6:46 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Kick-off!
1’ Galatasaray 0-0 Manchester United
United get the ball rolling and we’re underway in Istanbul!
November 29, 2023 at 6:45 pm
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Almost time for action!
(Photo: Getty Images)
The stadium is an incredible cauldron of noise! We’re nearly at kick-off!
November 29, 2023 at 6:42 pm
Ed Mackey
Group A permutations
Manchester United find themselves in a perilous position, entering this match in last place in Group A. Two wins — including one against Bayern at Old Trafford — would not guarantee a last-16 place, but as long as Copenhagen do not take six more points in that scenario, Erik ten Hag’s side would advance in second place.
A loss today would eliminate United from last 16 contention.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, have already played the German champions twice so will fancy their chances of reaching the knockouts. Wins in their final two games would see them through.
GO FURTHER
Who needs what to make the Champions League knockout stage?
November 29, 2023 at 6:39 pm
Dan Sheldon
Manchester United Correspondent
Ten Hag explains decision not to start Mainoo
(Photo: Getty Images)
While Manchester United supporters may have been hoping to see Kobbie Mainoo start, Erik ten Hag has explained why he picked Sofyan Amrabat instead: “Amrabat is used to playing big games for Morocco, and in Italy he had a lot of experience playing games like these.
“I’m comfortable with Mainoo, but he can’t play every game as he’s coming back from an injury.”
November 29, 2023 at 6:36 pm
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Fans ‘gutted’ Kobbie Mainoo isn’t starting
There’s some love being shown for teenager Kobbie Mainoo in The Athletic’s discussion tab at the top of the page and clickable here.
Iad A says: Hoped Mainoo would start but granted it’s going to be a crazy atmosphere for a senior player let alone an 18-year-old, I do think we’ll see him in the second half though. And Antony may be terrible so far but he puts in work defensively. Amrabat, still not convinced he’s better than average…
Andrew P: Gutted Kobbie isn’t starting after the performance at the weekend.
But James S suggests: Not all that surprised. Galatasaray isn’t the spot to blood youngsters and add in a woeful pitch surface with all the rain and Mainoo coming back from an ankle injury it’s not ideal. The pace in the Champions League is much slower so it should suit Amrabat more than the PL.
Let us know your thoughts!
November 29, 2023 at 6:33 pm
Dan Sheldon
Manchester United Correspondent
Game going ahead despite heavy rain earlier today
(Photo: Getty Images)
There was torrential rain falling most of today in Istanbul, threatening to postpone this match.
Manchester United’s Under-19s played against their Galatasaray counterparts earlier in the day, kicking off at 2pm local time, and the pitch at the Kasimpasa Stadium had plenty of surface water.
That game, however, went ahead, with United losing 1-0, but the rain continued to fall and it became clear at around 5.30pm local time that the Rams Park pitch was beginning to show the effects of bad weather.
UEFA officials were rolling and bouncing the ball on the pitch more than three hours before kick-off.
Things have improved since then however, and this match is set to kick off on time soon!
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Zaha vs Wan-Bissaka… again
(Photo: Getty Images)
An interesting match-up is on United’s right-hand side, where former Red Devil Wilf Zaha faces off against erstwhile Crystal Palace team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Wan-Bissaka is widely seen as one of the best one-on-one defenders in the Premier League, if not in the world, and will try to shackle the man that always hated going up against him in training because he was the only one who could stop him.
It was Wan-Bissaka who denied him a brilliant opportunity as he raced towards goal in stoppage time with the score at 1-1, levering his long limbs to slide in and nick the ball away. Erik ten Hag clearly wants more of the same tonight.
‘The Spider’ replaces Diogo Dalot, who was too easily held off by Zaha for the Ivorian’s goal at Old Trafford. Unsurprising call from the Dutchman.
Laurie Whitwell
Manchester United Correspondent
Garnacho, Messi, Ronaldo and a social media storm
(Photo: Getty Images)
It is a tale of modern times involving the two biggest names in football that might easily be dismissed as social media absurdity but for the fact it has had real-world consequences for Alejandro Garnacho.
The story? That Lionel Messi unfollowed his compatriot Garnacho on Instagram because the 19-year-old makes no secret of his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo. The truth is that Messi never followed Garnacho in the first place, and the pair share a good relationship when joining up for Argentina duty.
But the power of the internet and the star figures involved has meant the false news has caused a stir in their homeland, and those close to Garnacho wish to ensure the correct situation is known.
Click below for more!
GO FURTHER
Garnacho, Messi, Ronaldo and a social media story with real-world consequences
Dan Sheldon
Manchester United Correspondent
Hostile atmosphere for Manchester United
Manchester United’s players have emerged from the tunnel to begin their warm-up and were greeted by piercing boos.
On this subject, Erik ten Hag said to MUTV: “I said to the team, I want to hear them (Galatasaray fans) whistling because they whistle when the opposition has the ball. When they whistle, it means we control the game.”
Compared to the pouring rain of a couple of hours ago, the pitch looks fine and there isn’t any doubt that this fixture will be going ahead.
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Wilf Zaha, facing his old nemesis once again
As a Crystal Palace fan, Wilfried Zaha is the club’s best ever player, in my opinion.
One of the lowest points in his career was what should have been his crowning glory: a well-deserved move from his hometown club to Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson bequeathing his last ever signing to his successor David Moyes.
But Moyes and Manchester United woefully mishandled a player with incredible natural gifts and sent him back to Palace having actually diminished rather than nurtured his talents. Since then, he’s loved haunting United.
He scored several goals for Palace against his former employers, and netted again at Old Trafford in Galatasaray’s 3-2 win on October 3. Can he do so again tonight?
GO FURTHER
Wilfried Zaha and Manchester United: What really happened
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Three changes for Galatasaray
Galatasaray, meanwhile, make three changes to their most recent starting line-up.
Abdulkerim Bardakci returns from injury along with Angelino and Hakim Ziyech.
They take the places of the injured Davinson Sanchez, then Kazimcan Karatas and Baris Alper Yilmaz respectively.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Four changes for Manchester United
(Photo: Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag makes four changes to the Manchester United side that beat Everton 3-0 last time out.
He brings in Rasmus Hojlund for Anthony Martial, Antony for Marcus Rashford, Sofyan Amrabat for Kobbie Mainoo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for Diogo Dalot.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Team news
Galatasaray starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Muslera; Boey, Abdulkerim, Kaan, Angelino; Torreira, Ndombele; Ziyech, Mertens, Zaha; Icardi.
Substitutes: Gunay; Nelsson, Kazimcan, Oliveira, Demirbay, Akturkoglu, Baris, Tete, Bakambu.
Manchester United starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw; Amrabat, McTominay; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.
Substitutes: Bayindir, Heaton; Dalot, Varane, Reguilon, Gore, Mejbri, Mainoo, Pellistri, Hugill, Martial.
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Caption competition!
(Photo: Getty Images)
What do you think these guys are saying?
Speculate in our discussion tab at the top of the page.
Carl Anka
Man Utd Correspondent
Kobbie Mainoo: Breaking down the excitement about the teenager
(Photo: Getty Images)
Some starting debuts go quietly. Others serve as grand declarations of talent.
The 72 minutes Kobbie Mainoo played for Manchester United against Everton on Sunday was somehow both.
It was a performance that led Gary Neville to say the midfielder “looked like a Manchester City player” on Sky Sports’ commentary for the match, such was Mainoo’s ability to receive and pass on the half-turn.
“We don’t want to get too carried away, but I’m sure we will,” said Sky pundit Roy Keane, before offering that Mainoo “looked a Man United type of player. Nice and brave. Lots of courage”.
GO FURTHER
Breaking down why there is such excitement about Kobbie Mainoo
Laurie Whitwell
Manchester United Correspondent
Bruno Fernandes: ‘Everyone is pretty happy with my leadership’
Bruno Fernandes believes his previous stats at Manchester United have made him a “target” for criticism — but is confident he is performing well as captain.
Fernandes’ credentials for wearing the armband have been recently scrutinised by former United midfielders Roy Keane and Paul Ince, who questioned the Portugal international for ceding penalty duties to Marcus Rashford against Everton at the weekend.
But Fernandes says he did what he thought was “best for the team” and reckons criticism is inevitable.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Galatasaray, Fernandes said: “Obviously you don’t like to be criticised — everyone is the same — but at the same time I have to do what I think is the best for my team.”
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Fernandes on criticism: ‘Everyone is pretty happy with my leadership’
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Calm before the (literal) storm
(Photo: Getty Images)
So at the moment, the game is ON.
That could always change though, depending on the continuing deluge in Istanbul.
Whatever happens, we’ll bring you all the latest updates right here.
Dan Sheldon
Manchester United Correspondent
Game to go ahead as scheduled, UEFA says
UEFA are expecting Manchester United’s Champions League game against Galatasaray to go ahead as scheduled despite heavy rain in Istanbul.
The game is set to kick off at 5.45pm GMT but incessant rain in Turkey have sparked fears of a postponement.
UEFA, however, are still planning for the game to go ahead.
A statement read: “We are closely monitoring the weather forecast and at this stage the match will go ahead as scheduled”.
UEFA rules state that if a match cannot start or cannot be played in full, the full or remaining match time is, as a rule, played on the next day.
Dan Sheldon
Manchester United Correspondent
Mason Greenwood latest: What’s happening at Getafe?
(Photo: Getty Images)
November 27, 2023, was the date scheduled for the start of Mason Greenwood’s two-week trial on charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour, all of which he denied. But following the withdrawal of key witnesses, the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service discontinued the charges.
This prompted his employers Manchester United to conduct an internal investigation about the 22-year-old, which concluded in August. The club’s initial plan was to reintegrate Greenwood into their first-team squad but after criticism and internal backlash, United announced Greenwood would be leaving.
Instead, Greenwood joined mid-table La Liga side Getafe on a season-long loan on the final day of the summer transfer window, and it is there, in the south of Spain’s capital Madrid, that he has been trying to rebuild his career.
Nearly three months on from his departure, and on the day he would have been due to stand trial, The Athletic answers key questions about his progress and what it means for United…
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Mason Greenwood latest: What’s happening with his loan to Getafe?
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Not far away from team news…
Team news is around 45 minutes away.
Who will Erik ten Hag pick in midfield? Does Anthony Martial get a start after a bright showing against Everton? Will he pick World Cup winner Raphael Varane over 35-year-old Jonny Evans?
Find out all the answers, and more, shortly.
Laurie Whitwell
Manchester United Correspondent
Garnacho and the dying art of overhead kicks
Paul McGuinness was coaching children on overhead kicks at the exact moment Alejandro Garnacho sprung into the air and swivelled his body to spectacular effect at Goodison Park.
“Some of the parents jumped up and shouted when Garnacho’s goal went in,” says McGuinness. “They were watching on their phones in the stands. We’d just started doing overhead kicks ourselves, it was so funny.”
In that specific situation, because of the ball’s trajectory, the only way Garnacho could have scored was with an overhead kick. And he had given himself the best chance of executing successfully by practising.
GO FURTHER
Coaching overhead kicks and why they are a dying art
Nick Miller
Was Garnacho a ‘moment’? – The Briefing
(Photo: Getty Images)
If you asked 10 different football fans why they love the game, there’s a good chance that you will get 10 different answers. Among those answers will almost certainly not be “arguing about balance sheets and the minutiae of the governing bodies’ disciplinary procedures”.
On some level, regardless of whether you agree with them or not, it was quite heartening to see the strength of the anger from the Everton fans against their 10-point penalty from the Premier League.
But at the same time, it’s a situation that everyone, save for the most spiteful of their rivals, probably wishes didn’t exist. It is not why everyone watching their 3-0 defeat to Manchester United fell in love with this game.
Then, with three minutes on the clock, Alejandro Garnacho did something to remind us all why we did.
GO FURTHER
The Briefing: Are Man City’s rivals convincing? Can we assess Spurs? Is Garnacho’s goal why we love football?
Carl Anka
Man Utd Correspondent
Mainoo delivers dynamism on first Premier League start
What happens when the Premier League’s form team reaches the fire-pit of Goodison Park? That was the question for Manchester United at the end of the November international break.
United managed to keep cool in the important moments on Sunday.
Key to United’s play was Kobbie Mainoo, who was given his first Premier League start.
The 18-year-old impressed during the early stages of the pre-season tour before picking up an ankle injury against Real Madrid and his long-awaited introduction to the starting XI saw him serve as Ten Hag’s metronome.
GO FURTHER
Kobbie Mainoo, 18, delivers the midfield dynamism Erik ten Hag’s United are desperate for
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Uncertainty in our discussion tab!
Fans have stated their predictions in our ‘Discuss’ tab at the top of the page and clickable here.
Some are confident, some not so much.
Mike M says: Today is the day we start our run to the Champions League Final.
While Baris E reckons: Gala are favourites today.
Let us know your thoughts!
Laurie Whitwell
Manchester United Correspondent
Maguire turned it round at United. Can Varane?
(Photo: Getty Images)
To say Raphael Varane is disappointed at falling down the pecking order at Manchester United is underselling things. Those who know his thinking suggest his feelings stray closer to annoyance.
That is probably natural for a player who has medals from four Champions League campaigns and one World Cup hanging up at home.
And aged 30, Varane is entitled to think he has a good few years left. He wants to be playing and has expressed his wishes to Erik ten Hag.
But right now, Ten Hag prefers other centre-backs.
GO FURTHER
Harry Maguire turned it round at Manchester United. Can Raphael Varane?
Luke Brown
Managing Editor, News
Heavy rain threatens today’s Champions League game
(Photo: Getty Images)
It has been raining very heavily in Istanbul today, as you can tell from the photographs of the UEFA Youth League game between Galatasaray and Manchester United earlier.
It is understood that UEFA will conduct a pitch inspection ahead of the Champions League game between the two sides, as is standard before all games.
There is currently no indication the game will be called off.
Simon Johnson
Chelsea Correspondent
Mount also out tonight with calf injury
Mason Mount is feared to be out for a month after suffering a calf injury before Manchester United’s game against Everton last Sunday.
Mount, 24, was not named in the squad for the trip to Goodison Park with his manager Erik ten Hag confirming that the England international was assessed ahead of the Premier League fixture.
There are concerns that he will also miss the game against Chelsea on December 6, the first chance the midfielder would have had to face his former club since making his £60million ($75.7m) move to United in the summer transfer window.
GO FURTHER
Man United midfielder Mount feared to be out for a month with calf injury
Carl Anka
Man Utd Correspondent
Why Luke Shaw’s return to fitness matters so much
Manchester United have been handed a boost going into their post-international break run of fixtures with the news Luke Shaw is back in training.
The left-back has only featured in two of a possible 12 Premier League matches this season due to a “muscle issue” and has been sorely missed by manager Erik ten Hag.
Over his nine years with the club, Shaw has developed from a promising, if inconsistent, young full-back into a mature (albeit somewhat injury-prone) and irreplaceable name on the team sheet.
GO FURTHER
Why Luke Shaw’s return for Manchester United matters so much
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Man United beaten by Galatasaray in Youth League
(Photo: Getty Images)
Manchester United were beaten 1-0 by Galatasaray as the two sides faced off in a UEFA Youth League clash in Turkey.
Baran Demiroglu scored the only goal of the game in a sodden Istanbul.
An inauspicious sign for tonight, perhaps.
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Buruk on United attackers Hojlund and Martial
In his pre-match press conference, Buruk also discussed attackers Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial, who could both feature in the absence of Marcus Rashford, who is suspended.
He added: “Both of them are important and good players. One of them is developing and one is a name known for many years.
“Individually, we are not preparing for anyone. As a team, we will put forward our own game. We are preparing ourselves.”
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Galatasaray boss Buruk: United have ‘developed and changed’
(Photo: Getty Images)
Speaking before the match, Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk insists Manchester United have “developed and changed” since his side triumphed at Old Trafford last month.
“Our opponent is developing and changing,” Buruk told reporters. “They have won five of their last six games in the league and are only six points behind the leaders. These are positive signs for them.
“We are playing against an important team, but it is in our own stadium, with our fans and an amazing atmosphere. We hope to play a very good game.”
Ed Mackey
Champions League permutations: Who’s set for knockouts and exits?
As expected, Bayern Munich have made light work of Group A and have booked their place in the knockouts with two games to spare.
Manchester United were widely tipped to follow them through, but are bottom of the group. Two wins — including one against Bayern at Old Trafford — would not guarantee a last-16 place, but as long as Copenhagen did not take six more points in that scenario, Erik ten Hag’s side would prevail.
Victory against United leaves the Danes in the most advantageous position, although they will need maximum points to make sure of a last-16 place and their next game is away in Munich.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, have already played the German champions twice so will fancy their chances. Wins in their final two games would see them through. The games tonight — Bayern vs Copenhagen and Galatasaray vs United — will go a long way to determining Group A.
GO FURTHER
Who needs what to make the Champions League knockout stage?
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Stat attack: Part Three
As ever, thanks to our friends at Opta for these.
Galatasaray’s Wilfried Zaha has netted four goals in his last five games against United, including one in the reverse fixture this season at Old Trafford. He has ended on the winning side in all three of the games in this run when he’s scored (twice with Crystal Palace, once with Galatasaray).
Rasmus Højlund has scored five goals in four Champions League appearances for Manchester United. Only two players aged under 21 have scored more often for an English club in the competition, with Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal) and Phil Foden (Manchester City) both netting six times.
Through the first four matchdays in the Champions League this season, Galatasaray midfielder Lucas Torreira recovered possession more times than any other player (42). Eight of those came in the attacking third of the pitch, which was also the joint-most of any player (along with Leroy Sané).
Nick Miller
Sin bins: A good idea or a VAR-style can of worms?
(Photo: Getty Images)
The idea of sin bins in football has been knocking around since, it feels, the beginning of time.
But now, it appears to be happening.
Or at least moving a step closer, with the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the sport’s lawmakers, recommending this week that ‘temporary dismissals’ should be trialled in professional football, beyond the grassroots levels where they have already — successfully, apparently — been tested.
Would it work?
GO FURTHER
Sin bins: A good idea to improve player behaviour or a VAR-style can of worms?
Matt Woosnam
Crystal Palace Correspondent
How does football become more sustainable?
As football continues to expand, so does its impact on the climate. From sponsorships with fossil fuel giants to tournaments played across multiple continents, the growth of the game appears to be impossible to reconcile with targets to reduce emissions or reach net zero goals.
Clubs are not oblivious to the problems. Many in England have hired heads of sustainability or formalised the role, and the issue is also being brought into focus more and more by players, supporters and club staff.
Football, which is increasingly threatened by human-induced climate change, has the potential to play a major role in tackling problems relating to the climate crisis, both through reducing its own impact and encouraging behavioural change in supporters. Its platform is unique and it has a vast reach.
But what can the industry do to become more sustainable? The Athletic spoke to several prominent campaigners for their solutions.
GO FURTHER
Sponsor bans, fewer games, more regulation: How football can be more sustainable
Colin Millar
Why Rashford is missing tonight
(Photo: Getty Images)
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has been suspended for only one Champions League match following his red card against FC Copenhagen.
The England international was sent off in United’s 4-3 defeat on November 8 for a challenge on Elias Jelert. But UEFA, European football’s governing body, confirmed on Friday that the tackle did not merit greater punishment.
The sanction means he will miss United’s crucial trip to Galatasaray tonight, but will return for the final group stage clash against Bayern Munich.
GO FURTHER
Rashford’s CL suspension confirmed after Copenhagen red card
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Stat attack: Part Two
Some more statistics from Opta below!
This will be the eighth time Galatasaray have hosted English opposition in the Champions League. They’ve only lost two of the previous seven (W2 D3) – Chelsea in October 1999 (5-0) and Arsenal in December 2014 (4-1) are the only two English sides to have won there in the competition.
United have lost three of their four group stage matches in the Champions League under Erik ten Hag (W1). In his previous job with Ajax, it took Ten Hag until his 13th group stage game in the competition to suffer his third defeat (W6 D4).
Manchester United have lost two matches in which they have been ahead in the UEFA Champions League this season (v Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen) – only the third time in their history they’ve lost multiple games in which they’ve led in a single European Cup/UEFA Champions League campaign (also two in 2001-02 and 2015-16).
In the opening four matchdays in the UEFA Champions League this season, no team conceded more goals than Manchester United in the 15 minutes leading up to half time (three) or in the final 15 minutes of games (four). In addition, no side dropped more points from winning positions than them (six) across the first four games.
Not pretty reading for United fans.
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Looking back: How Gala stunned United at Old Trafford
(Photo: Getty Images)
Fancy reminding yourself how Galatasaray stormed Old Trafford with a thrilling 3-2 win?
Recap our play-by-play updates from the magnificent Michael Dominski here.
Andy Mitten
Inside Man United’s ‘Welcome to Hell’ trip, 30 years on
Sir Alex Ferguson confidently set the tone before Manchester United’s first match against Turkish opposition, a Champions League second-round tie against Galatasaray in 1993.
“The Turks are lovely people,” said the United manager. “We’re looking forward to going over there.”
An English journalist asked Galatasaray’s German manager Reiner Hollmann afterwards whether there would be a hot welcome for United in Istanbul for the return leg.
“They’ll be waiting for you,” said Hollmann. “At the airport.” We walked through arrivals and were hit by the noise of hundreds of Galatasaray fans brandishing “Welcome to Hell” banners.
GO FURTHER
Attacked, detained, deported: Inside Man United’s ‘Welcome to Hell’ game, 30 years on
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Ten Hag: How Man United can ‘get out of hell’
(Photo: Getty Images)
When asked by a Turkish journalist how Manchester United can get out of hell, a reference to the ‘Welcome to Hell’ banner which greeted them the last time they played here 30 years ago, Ten Hag said: “We have to make it our game and it’s the history.
“Obviously Manchester United has a great history, but you can’t take any guarantee from it in the future, so we have to make our own future.
“It’s the past, so tomorrow it’s about the future, so we have to make it our game. It’s on us.”
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Stat attack: Part One
(Photo: Getty Images)
⦁ Galatasaray failed to win any of their first five European games against Manchester United (D3 L2) but have won each of their last two against the Red Devils, both in the Champions League (1-0 in November 2012 and 3-2 in October 2023).
⦁ Manchester United have never scored an away goal against Galatasaray in three previous attempts (two 0-0 draws and a 1-0 defeat). It’s the most away European games they’ve played against an opponent without scoring.
⦁ After beating Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier this season, Galatasaray could win home and away against an opponent in a European Cup/UEFA Champions League for just the second time – they last did so in 1969-70 against Irish side Waterford United (2-0 at home, 3-2 away).
Thanks to Opta for those.
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Catch up with our Premier League news live blog
Running concurrently to this is our Premier League news live blog, run by the super Ali Rampling.
Check that out for reaction to the dramatic PSG vs Newcastle Champions League game last night, plus general build-up to the European football tonight.
Obviously, here we’ll be sticking to Manchester United and Galatasaray specifically.
Max Mathews
Football Writer
Join the conversation using our ‘Discuss’ tab
Give your predictions, sound off about your underperforming player of choice and chat to other fans all in one place: The Athletic’s discussion tab at the top of the page and clickable here.
We’ll feature some of the comments and questions in this live blog so don’t be shy to ask us a question about tonight’s action.
Han Boon L simply says: Mainoo = win, after the 18-year-old’s fine performance against Everton.
Nisar A adds: I personally think no Marcus Rashford is a boost for us at the moment. Would love to see Antony or Pellistri start on the right.
Stig Toft R replied: Pellistri please.
United fans, who would you like to replace the suspended Marcus Rashford? And is Kobbie Mainoo a must-start now?
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