October 04, (THEWILL) – Manchester United’s miserable start to the season continued with a chaotic 3-2 UEFA Champions League defeat at home to Galatasaray on Tuesday night. Despite twice taking the lead through Danish striker, Rasmus Hojlund, Erik ten Hag’s side succumbed to their sixth loss in all competitions amid more defensive calamities.
Hojlund put United ahead in the first half after being set up by Marcus Rashford, only for Wilfried Zaha to equalise just minutes later. Hojlund restored the lead after the break, following a rapid counter attack, but the visitors would overturn the deficit in a dramatic final 20 minutes.
First, Kerem Akturkoglu capitalised on poor defending to make it 2-2. Then goalkeeper Andre Onana’s mistake allowed Dries Mertens to force a punishable Casemiro tackle for his sending off, before Mauro Icardi wrapped up the win after that red card.
With their defensive vulnerabilities exposed yet again, Ten Hag will be concerned by his side’s inability to protect a lead. Aside from the impressive Hojlund, few United players came away with any credit on another harrowing European night.
Casemiro and Onana only damaged their reputations further with careless displays, while the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford failed to make an impact in attack. The defeat leaves United with an uphill task to qualify from their UCL group, as they are bottom of Group A with no points after matchday two.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
