Five talking points – Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United (Champions League)

Manchester United failed to beat Galatasaray away from home after letting a two-goal lead slip in the second half.

With Manchester United needing a victory, Erik ten Hag chose to start a front three of Ramsus Højlund, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho, with Marcus Rashford suspended and Sofyan Amrabat coming in to replace Kobbie Mainoo.

Garnacho was the man to make the first real move, rifling the ball into the net beyond the Galatasaray goalkeeper and captain before Bruno Fernandes made it 2-0 with a brilliant long-range shot.

Read More: Player Ratings – Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United (Champions League)

It did not take long for the Turkish side to respond; however, the former Chelsea player Hakim Ziyech struck in a free kick to steal a goal back for the home side.

The second half saw Galatasaray come out swinging, but it was Scott McTominay who netted next, slotting the ball after a good counter-attack between Antony, Wan-Bissaka, and the Scotsman to restore the two-goal lead for about five minutes before a poor moment from André Onana allowed the ball to literally slip through his hands into his own net.

With 20 minutes left, Galatasaray were level, and the game was in complete chaos. Despite the players’ best efforts, the game ended with the evens split across the 6-goal thriller.

#1 – It’s that boy once again

After his world-class goal on the weekend against Everton, it was Garnacho once again who opened the scoring for United.

After a slow start to the season, Garnacho is starting to thrive once again in attack, scoring crucial goals for the club as he continues his development as a left-winger, which will only fill Ten Hag with further confidence.

#2 – Fernandes’ mixed game.

Bruno Fernandes, speaking on Tuesday, refuted comments that he works for himself instead of his team, and against Galatasaray, his performance was a mixed one.

After assisting Garnacho, he scored a fantastic goal from long-range to double United’s lead, but minutes later, it was his tracking back that led to a foul on the edge of André Onana’s box and gifted Ziyech the chance to equalise.

He was unlucky not to score again after hitting the post in the final minutes, but ultimately, the club as a whole let the game slip, Fernandes included.

#3 – A test of character

After United went 2-0 up, it felt like the club were cruising until Ziyech spoiled the party with his free kick. United, after conceding, have become frantic once they concede – the game became a test of their character as a side.

Despite going 3-1 up through McTominay, United failed to hold their nerve, with Onana’s howler in goal and a fantastic strike from Aktürkoğlu bringing Galatasaray level.

Unfortunately, United were not able to keep their lead once again, which has been the story of the season in the Champions League, and bar very specific results in two week’s time, United’s run in the competition is almost over.

#4 – André Onana…?

Onana’s time at United has been so mixed it’s hard to pinpoint what’s actually happening.

His season so far has seen brilliant saves and fantastic goalkeeping mixed with some truly horrible errors, with everything on display from both sides tonight. He made some great saves but ultimately was at fault for Ziyech’s two goals.

He must fix up.

#5 – Is it all over?

United’s qualification for the knockout stages is now out of their hands. The club must defeat Bayern Munich on the final game day of the group stage while hoping results elsewhere go in their favour.

It’s a slim possibility, and United cannot blame anyone else other than themselves for the position they are in.