Manchester United’s Champions League campaign continued to unravel as they suffered a second successive defeat, this time falling to Galatasaray in a dramatic encounter at Old Trafford.
The hosts twice took the lead through an impressive display from Rasmus Hojlund, with the young striker underlining his potential by scoring a brace. His second goal, a superb solo effort, briefly put United in control and lifted the home crowd.
However, familiar defensive frailties once again proved costly. Former United winger Wilfried Zaha brought Galatasaray level, before Kerem Akturkoglu struck to cancel out Hojlund’s second goal and swing the momentum back towards the visitors.
The match was littered with pivotal moments and controversy. Mauro Icardi squandered a golden opportunity when he missed a penalty, while United’s problems deepened when Casemiro was sent off following a costly error by goalkeeper Andre Onana, leaving the hosts to finish the match with 10 men.
Galatasaray eventually made their numerical advantage count, with Icardi redeeming himself by breaking clear of the United defence and calmly slotting home the decisive goal nine minutes from time to seal a memorable victory for the Turkish side.
The defeat marked an unwanted piece of history for Manchester United, who have now lost their opening two matches of a Champions League group stage for the first time. It also leaves Erik ten Hag’s side rooted to the bottom of the group, behind Galatasaray in second place and leaders Bayern Munich.
With back-to-back defeats in different competitions and a growing list of losses this season, pressure continues to mount on Ten Hag as United search for answers to halt their worrying slide.
