Manchester United’s Champions League aspirations are hanging by a thread after they threw away their lead at Galatasaray to register a 3-3 draw last night.
The Red Devils made an ideal start as Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes scored to silence the hostile home crowd.
But Andre Onana’s glaring mistakes allowed the Turkish giants back in the game, with Hakim Ziyech twice beating the 27-year-old goalkeeper from free kicks.
Although Scott McTominay added United’s third, it was Galatasaray who left the field as the happier side after Kerem Akturkoglu’s strike salvaged a draw.
The result means Erik ten Hag’s men must beat Bayern Munich next month and also hope the Super Lig outfit draw against Copenhagen to secure a place in the knockouts.
The chances of qualification for the last-16 now look very slim, but United fans can draw some positives from the 3-3 stalemate in Turkey.
Garnacho continues his impressive form
Garnacho scored a spectacular overhead kick goal against Everton at the weekend, which many people claimed was even better than Wayne Rooney’s strike against Manchester City.
The 19-year-old picked up where he left off on Wednesday as he netted the opener with a superb left-footed strike in the 11th minute.
Garnacho completed 75 percent of his passes, won an aerial duel and also made one key pass in the game. We also saw some improvement in his defensive game as he made two tackles and an interception.
Mainoo shows his class again
Kobbie Mainoo earned a lot of admiration for his performance against Everton in his full Premier League debut on Sunday.
The 18-year-old’s quality and calmness on the ball played a key role in United’s victory at the weekend.
Many people even expected Ten Hag to start the youngster against Galatasaray, but the Dutchman preferred the more experienced Sofyan Amrabat.
However, Mainoo showed his class again when the manager brought him off the bench in the second half.
The talented midfielder completed all his passes, won two ground duels and also made two clearances and a tackle in only the 30 minutes he played.
On the back of this performance, Mainoo deserves a start when they visit Newcastle United this weekend.
Bruno Fernandes leading by example
Bruno Fernandes has recently been questioned about his suitability to be Manchester United captain.
But the Portuguese responded brilliantly to his critics by delivering an excellent performance against Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Fernandes teed up Garnacho before doubling United’s advantage with an absolute stunner.
He posted impressive numbers in the game, winning four ground duels and completing four long balls. The attacking midfielder also created three key passes and won three tackles.
