It’s a must-win encounter for Manchester United tonight against Galatasaray tonight in the Champions League.
Turkish champions Galatasaray visit Old Trafford as the Reds look for their first win in Europe this season. United fell to a 4-3 defeat away at Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener, while Galatasaray came from behind to draw 2-2 with Copenhagen.
Galatasaray manager and former Turkey international Okan Buruk has already said his side will try to expose whoever plays at left-back for United in tonight’s clash.
“We worked out our plan for the match there,” Buruk said in his pre-match press conference, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
“We have our thoughts based on the pros and cons of the opponent. Our opponent does not have an original left-back. We do not know what they will use there. It it our own game. We made a plan based on our team and our plans. We will try to implement it on the field.”
Buruk also pinpointed Marcus Rashford as United’s danger man, despite the forward struggling to rediscover his goalscoring form this season.
The Galatasaray manager added: “Manchester [United] has Rashford in transitions and all game actions. They are trying to find Rashford a lot, one-on-one during the game. This will be an important match for Sacha [Boey, right-back] as well. We expect contribution from Sacha, not only defensively but also offensively.
“We will want Sacha to play offensively as he did in previous matches. This will be an offensive and defensive test for both Galatasaray and Sacha.
“We analysed many matches. After combining this with our own game, our clearer plan will emerge on the field tomorrow.
“Wilfried is the player who knows Manchester most closely. His on-field performance, the individual game he will give to both us and his friends, his responsibility, and his knowledge of the league, will all make a positive contribution.”
Former United winger Wilfried Zaha will pose a threat to United’s defence, however, Galatasaray have travelled without Hakim Ziyech.
As for our left-back dilemma, it sounds like we’ll see Sofyan Amrabat make his third consecutive start out of position. The Moroccan probably won’t get a run in midfield until one of our left-backs return from injury.
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