Neither Manchester United nor Galatasaray were particularly happy with the 3-3 draw, with both sides really in need of a victory.
A draw was not a total disaster for either Manchester United or Galatasaray, but it has made the task of qualification difficult for both.
Each side desperately needed a win, and this was reflected by a pulsating 3-3 draw with both teams ‘going for it’ from the first whistle through to the last.
United twice gave up two goal leads, and could have won it late on. Galatasaray felt they were harshly denied a goal via VAR in the first half.
Galatasaray manager verdict
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk reflected on a dramatic game, admitting both sides dared not lose.
He told their club media: “We gave positions to the opponent in the last part. We could have conceded a goal and lost. In the last part, the match turned into Russian roulette. We started the match well. Our opponent’s first shot and the second goal were goals.
“We managed to turn the match around. We could have won or lost. It was a very good match. I want to congratulate both teams.”
It was a good description. The game got out of control, and Manchester United had the better chances to win it late, even hitting the post.
Ten Hag tactics difficult to deal with
Buruk reflected that playing against Erik ten Hag‘s Manchester United was a difficult task, with United creating numerous chances.
He said: “The opponent is a team that plays transition. It is more difficult to establish play from the back against teams that play transition.”
Ten Hag, it seemed, had outwitted Buruk with his approach. However, he did not count on two soft free-kicks drifting past, and through Andre Onana.
United now need to beat Bayern Munich, and then hope Galatasaray and Copenhagen play out a draw. Not impossible, but the odds are against us.
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