Needing to avoid defeat to stand any chance of a place in the Champions League last 16, Manchester United travel to Rams Park in Istanbul to face Galatasaray in Wednesday’s Group A fixture.
The Red Devils sit at the bottom of Group A with three points under their belt heading into the penultimate matchweek. They lost 2-3 to Galatasaray at Old Trafford in October but bounced back with a 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen a fortnight later. However, Erik ten Hag’s men failed to build on that victory, losing 4-3 to FC Copenhagen in Denmark earlier this month.
Ten Hag and Co. will be out to avenge their crushing 3-2 loss to Galatasaray and should be buoyed by their recent form of five wins in the last six Premier League games, including a 3-0 success over Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday evening.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United will have to do without Marcus Rashford for Wednesday’s clash after UEFA confirmed a one-game ban for his sending off in the 4-3 defeat to FC Copenhagen. Rasmus Hojlund missed the game against Everton with a muscle injury suffered before the international break, but he has travelled with the squad to Turkey and will be in contention to play a part.
Antony sustained a knock and was not fit enough to make the matchday squad against Everton but he has recovered in time to make the travelling squad.
Mason Mount picked up an injury last week, joining Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro on the sidelines.
Predicted Man United lineup vs Galatasaray (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana has picked up his form steadily in the last month or so, moving on from the error-prone displays between the sticks. He kept a clean sheet against Everton at the weekend and will hope to shut up shop as quickly as possible in Turkey.
Defence
Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 shape again, Harry Maguire should continue partnering Victor Lindelof at the heart of the defence in the Man United lineup.
Luke Shaw made his return from a long injury lay-off at the weekend and should be fit to go again. He will retain his place at left-back in the Man United lineup, but Ten Hag could opt for Aaron Wan-Bissaka over Diogo Dalot at right-back to neutralise the potential threat of Wilfried Zaha.
Midfield
Kobbie Mainoo impressed on his first start in the Premier League against Everton on Sunday, and he could be rewarded with another chance in the Man United lineup from the onset in midweek. The youngster could form the double pivot with Sofyan Amrabat in the middle of the park, and the duo must protect the back four as well as create openings for the forwards in the final third.
Scott McTominay could operate higher up the pitch, and the Scotsman’s late runs in the box could cause problems for the Galatasaray backline.
Attack
With Marcus Rashford suspended and Antony missing the last game with a knock, Bruno Fernandes could be pushed to the right flank as part of tactical flexibility. Alejandro Garnacho is a certainty to start on the left flank following his spectacular bicycle kick goal against Everton on Sunday.
With Rasmus Hojlund returning from injury, there is a slight chance Anthony Martial could be tasked with leading the Man United attack again with Hojlund earmarked for a role later in the game.
Martial will be looking to get on the scoresheet at Rams Park after scoring in the 3-0 win over Everton.