Turkish football pundit Ahmet Bob Turgut joins us ahead of the big clash on Wednesday.
Manchester United arrive in Istanbul on Tuesday evening with the club’s season at a crossroads.
Win against Galatasaray and we can breathe knowing we’re still in the Champions League, where we currently sit embarrassingly bottom of Group A – dominated by Bayern Munich and including FC Copenhagen.
However, lose against the Turkish champions, like we did in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford, and United face the ignominy of an early exit.
We’ve asked Ahmet Bob Turgut, a football pundit focusing on Turkish football, a few questions about Galatasaray to get his view of things ahead of the big game.
Here’s the Q&A, a View from the Enemy…
Dale: Galatasaray’s only Champions League win this season came in the reverse fixture. Are they confident ahead of Manchester United’s visit after winning all but one of their home games this season?
Ahmet: “Galatasaray team and coach Okan Buruk is very confident that they will win Wednesday’s match in front of their fans. They think this is a must win match for them also.”
Dale: Manchester United have won three of their last four matches. What were they saying about us in Turkey when Galatasaray won 3-2 at Old Trafford?
Ahmet: “It was a huge win for Galatasaray winning the match at Old Trafford. This was the first ever match that Galatasaray won at Old Trafford. Turkish media talked about this win a lot. They were saying ‘Manchester United couldn’t keep up with Galatasaray and their attacks’.”
Dale: How has Wilfried Zaha settled in Turkey?
Ahmet: “It took a long time for Zaha settled in with Galatasaray team after his injury. In the last match against Alanyaspor, he played very well and scored a goal. He was one of the best players on the pitch against United at Old Trafford.
“At the beginning, fans were worried when he was going to show up but like I said, in last 10 days, he is showing his strength on the pitch for Galatasaray. I am sure he will continue to show that along with Icardi and Kerem Aktürkoğlu.”
Dale: Sacha Boey is a player being linked with a move to United. Does the right-back have what it takes to play at the top level?
Ahmet: “Yes, I do believe he could play for Manchester United. He does have that potential!”
Dale: How have Galatasaray done domestically this season?
Ahmet: “So, far after 13 weeks in the Turkish Super Lig, they share the top spot with Fenerbahce. They both have 34 points and they are strong contenders to finish on top this season!”
Dale: What kind of atmosphere can United fans expect in Istanbul?
Ahmet: “Well, as you probably heard, Galatasaray’s stadium will be like hell for Manchester United. Probably 50,000 fans will be very loud for the entire match. Gala fans are known for that.”
Dale: Which players should we watch out for?
Ahmet: “Muslera, Boey, Sanchez (if he plays), Bardakci, Merterns, Icardi, Kerem Akturkoglu and Zaha.”
Dale: What do you think of Manchester United a) the club; b) the team; c) the manager?
Ahmet: “I watched them play on Sunday. They are looking good. They’re a young team and it’s not like the Manchester United we used to know, but I still think they have good players. Rashford not playing at his best could be a problem. When it comes to Erik ten Hag, I think he is a good coach but I know United fans that want to see him go! I think the next two Champions League games could decide his future.”
Dale: Who was Galatasaray’s best player of all-time?
Ahmet: “There are a few names that I could mention… Metin Oktay, Turgay Seren, Yasin Ozdenak, Faith Terim and Hakan Sukur. As far as foreign players go, I would say Hagi, Drogba and Sneijder.”
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
