In their previous league match, the Red Devils suffered a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Galatasaray comes into this contest following a 2-1 victory over Ankaragucu in Turkey's top flight, placing them at the top of the division. Manchester United has encountered a turbulent start to the season, losing five out of their first nine matches across all competitions, including four of their initial seven Premier League fixtures in the 2023-24 season. This dismal start marks their poorest league performance in 34 years. The recent loss to Palace left them in 10th place in the Premier League, with only nine points from seven matches.
Erik ten Hag's team did secure consecutive wins over Burnley and Palace in the league and EFL Cup after their 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on September 20. However, they faced a resolute Palace side in their last league outing at Old Trafford.
With a challenging start to the group stage already, there is mounting pressure on Ten Hag to secure a positive result on Tuesday, especially with a Premier League clash against Brentford awaiting them on October 7. Two wins would provide a much-needed confidence boost, but two losses or underwhelming results would only add to the frustrations of the club's supporters.
Manchester United has faced Galatasaray six times before, with a record of two wins, one draw, and three matches ending in a tie. Their most recent encounters took place in the group stage of the 2012-13 Champions League, where Manchester United won 1-0 at Old Trafford but lost 1-0 in Turkey.
Galatasaray is returning to the Champions League group stage for the first time since the 2019-20 season and has not progressed to the knockout rounds since 2013-14. They started their Group A campaign with a 2-2 draw against Copenhagen, with Sacha Boey and Tete both scoring late to secure a share of the points.
Remarkably, Galatasaray remains undefeated in all competitions this season and has won six out of seven Super Lig matches, currently leading the league with 19 points. Their recent 2-1 league victory over Ankaragucu adds to their confidence, and with standout players like Mauro Icardi and the return of Wilfried Zaha, they possess the firepower to challenge Manchester United.
While Galatasaray has had difficulties against English teams away from home and in the Champions League, they are currently on a 20-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, making them a formidable opponent for Manchester United.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Manchester United will once again have to cope without the services of several key players on Tuesday night. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo, and Amad Diallo are all sidelined due to injuries. Jadon Sancho is also unavailable, as he has not resumed training with the first team following his recent fall-out with Ten Hag. However, there is a possibility of Antony returning to action, as he has rejoined the club after a leave of absence.Sergio Reguilon, who missed the match against Palace due to a minor injury, could make a timely return as the left-back, potentially allowing Sofyan Amrabat to shift into central midfield alongside Casemiro. Bruno Fernandes might take up a position on the right side for this game, while Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford are likely to play in support of Rasmus Hojlund, who found the net against Bayern in the previous Champions League match.
On the other side, Galatasaray will once again be without Kazimcan Karatas due to injury. Hakim Ziyech's availability remains uncertain, as he was only able to engage in individual training on Sunday morning due to a knock.
Mauro Icardi is expected to spearhead Galatasaray's attack, having scored an impressive 10 goals in 12 appearances across all competitions this season. He is likely to receive support from Dries Mertens and Kerem Akturkoglu. In case Ziyech is unable to play, Wilfried Zaha, who scored for Galatasaray against Ankaragucu in the league on Saturday, could make the starting lineup.
Davinson Sanchez is poised to assume a starting role in the heart of Galatasaray's defense, while former Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira is set to feature in central midfield alongside Kerem Demirbay.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester United possible starting lineup:Onana; Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Reguilon; Casemiro, Amrabat; Fernandes, Mount, Rashford; Hojlund
Galatasaray possible starting lineup:
Muslera; Boey, Sanchez, Bardakci, Angelino; Torreira, Demirbay; Zaha, Mertens, Akturkoglu; Icardi
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester United 3-1 Galatasaray
