Galatasaray coach picks out two ‘very good’ Manchester United stars

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Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk has singled out Manchester United strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League group-stage clash in Istanbul.

While Erik ten Hag confirmed at his pre-match press conference that Rasmus Hojlund should be back in time to feature against the Turkish giants, a return to the Manchester United XI may yet come too soon (The Mirror).

But at least, if Hojlund is only fit enough for a place on the bench, the Red Devils boss has another centre-forward at his disposal. One who’s confidence will be on the up after his most eye-catching performance in recent memory.

Manchester United face Galatasaray challenge

Anthony Martial – the perma-crocked striker somehow staying fit during a devastating injury crisis – scored one and made one in Sunday’s 3-0 win at Everton, converting a Bruno Fernandes pass with a typically composed finish after winning the penalty converted by Marcus Rashford.

And Okan Buruk, speaking to Sporx, says that regardless of who is given the nod to start by Ten Hag a Galatasaray defence shorn of Davinson Sanchez will have a challenge keeping them quieet.

“Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial are very good players,” Buruk explains while insisting that he will not make any ‘preparations’ to stop individual members of the United roster.

“Whoever plays, they will show high performance.”

The mood in the United camp is much changed that 3-2 home defeat to Galatasaray nearly two months ago. Ten Hag’s side have won six out of nine games since then, that three-goal victory at Goodison Park their biggest winning margin of the entire campaign.

Rasmus Hojlund or Anthony Martial?

“Our goal is to get out of the group. Manchester United has changed and improved compared to the first match,” Buruk adds. “They won five of the last six matches in the league. They have also become better as a squad.

“It is a very important match to get out of the group.”

Hojlund’s outstanding European record could earn him the nod over Martial, the Dane becoming the fastest player in Manchester United’s storied history to hit five goals in the Champions League.