Manchester United’s woes continued as they experienced a jaw-dropping and error-filled 3-2 defeat at their own stadium against Galatasaray. This defeat marked an embarrassing collapse for Erik ten Hag’s team and added to their poor start to the season.
The Red Devils had previously suffered a loss in their Group A opener against Bayern Munich and endured their fourth defeat in seven Premier League matches just days before this disappointing Tuesday night match at Old Trafford.
Rasmus Hojlund managed to score a brilliant second goal after opening the scoring, but this was soon canceled out by Galatasaray’s former United player, Wilfried Zaha. Unfortunately, Ten Hag’s men went on to spectacularly unravel.
Kerem Akturkoglu equalized for Galatasaray, and a costly mistake from summer signing Andre Onana, who passed the ball poorly straight to Dries Mertens, led to a challenge from Casemiro that resulted in a penalty and a red card for the Brazilian midfielder.
Fortunately for United, Mauro Icardi missed the spot-kick, but he quickly made amends, securing a win for the Turkish side. With this result, United found themselves at the bottom of Group A after two fixtures, failing to “get back on track” as Ten Hag had emphasized in his program notes.
It’s worth noting that Galatasaray had never won in England before this match, and they initially struggled in the early stages, although their early intent did not translate into clear-cut chances until the 17th minute.
Marcus Rashford provided an assist for Hojlund to head home from close range, marking the summer signing’s first goal at Old Trafford. United initially aimed to extend their lead, but their focus shifted to regaining an advantage.
Davinson Sanchez attempted a hopeful ball from the back to Zaha, who battled with Diogo Dalot and managed to score with an acrobatic attempt that deflected off the full-back. Zaha celebrated by cupping his ears in front of the disgruntled home crowd.
Casemiro had a shot deflected wide, and Mason Mount’s six-yard strike was blocked. In stoppage time, Mount’s attempt was blocked by his teammate Hannibal Mejbri, adding to the frustration.
United returned strongly from the break and should have quickly reclaimed the lead. After Zaha claimed a penalty in the box against Dalot, the hosts countered, with Christian Eriksen being introduced at half-time. Eriksen set up Rashford, who accelerated and drew goalkeeper Fernando Muslera before passing to Fernandes. Unfortunately, Sacha Boey managed to intercept the undercooked pass intended for Fernandes.
Mount’s audacious attempt was tipped over from the resulting corner, and Old Trafford erupted in the 59th minute when they believed they had found the net in front of the Stretford End. However, Hojlund’s celebration was cut short as he was ruled offside.
Galatasaray was now under immense pressure, with Rashford, Mount, and Fernandes all having attempts on goal. In the 67th minute, the Red Devils seemed poised for a comeback.
Hojlund managed to collect a loose pass at the halfway line and demonstrated strength, power, and determination as he skillfully lifted the ball over Muslera.
It was a fantastic moment that quickly became overshadowed by the events of the evening. Akturkoglu narrowly missed a chance after Onana struggled to deal with a cross, but he made no mistake with his next opportunity. A quick build-up play led to substitute Baris Alper Yilmaz passing to Akturkoglu, who scored with a composed first touch.
Things took a turn for the worse for United. Onana’s poor pass from the back, under minimal pressure, went straight to Mertens, who was brought down in the box by Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder received a straight red card, and Icardi stepped up to take the resulting penalty. However, to the delight of the Old Trafford faithful, he missed.
Substitute Alejandro Garnacho made an attempt as United sought to retake the lead, but they were caught off guard at the other end.
Former Tottenham defender Sanchez headed a clearance from Sofyan Amrabat, inadvertently playing Icardi onside, allowing the Argentine striker to calmly lift the ball over Onana in the 81st minute.
Boey and Icardi had further opportunities, while Antony made a return, and Anthony Martial had a shot saved before the match ended with a humiliating loss for Manchester United.