Manchester United will be bidding to bounce back from the poor home defeat in the Premier League when they continue their Champions League group-stage campaign against Galatasaray on Tuesday night.
The Red Devils suffered a 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, days after beating them 3-0 in the Carabao Cup third round. The loss at the weekend means Erik ten Hag’s men have tasted five defeats in nine games across all competitions, including the 4-3 loss to Bayern Munich in their opening Champions League group-stage encounter.
Ten Hag is under pressure and he will expect a rousing response from his boys against Galatasaray, who have won six league games in a row and drew 2-2 with FC Copenhagen in their first Champions League clash.
Manchester United Team News
Man United will again be without the services of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Sergio Regulon, Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo through injury on Tuesday night.
Jadon Sancho remains out following his fall-out with Ten Hag, but Antony could be involved in the squad, having returned to training at the weekend after a leave of absence.
Predicted Man United lineup vs Galatasaray (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
It hasn’t been a great start to life at Man United for Andre Onana, who has kept just three clean sheets in nine games across all competitions. Having conceded four goals in United’s last Champions League game, the Cameroonian will be raring to put in a stronger display and shut up shop as quickly as possible on Tuesday.
Defence
Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof will perhaps retain their places in central defence from the Palace defeat, with Diogo Dalot an obvious pick at right-back in the Man United lineup owing to Wan-Bissaka’s injury.
As Reguilon has also joined the treatment table of late, United are still without a natural left-back, so Sofyan Amrabat is likely to continue in that role in the Man United lineup.
The Red Devils’ back four have to be at their best to keep a potent Galatasaray attack at bay at Old Trafford.
Midfield
Up ahead in midfield, Christian Eriksen may be recalled into the starting XI to help United dominate possession and control the game. The Dane will then form the double pivot with Casemiro in the middle of the park, and the duo must work very hard to protect United’s leaky backline on Tuesday evening.
Mason Mount, who was the bright spot in United’s league defeat to Palace on Saturday, should operate in the No.10 role and will look to unlock the tight Galatasaray backline.
Attack
Bruno Fernandes is likely to switch onto the right, thus, taking Facundo Pellistri’s spot. Despite looking out-of-sorts in the last few games, Marcus Rashford is expected to keep his place on the left flank in the Man United lineup.
Rasmus Hojlund will be tasked with leading the United attack again, and the big Dane will be looking to score in back-to-back Champions League games for his new club.
Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Martial and Antony could get opportunities to make a difference in the second half, as Ten Hag’s side chase their first Champions League win this season.