Manchester United go into tonight’s crucial Champions League clash against Galatasaray knowing that a win is vital.
After the bizarre 4-3 loss to FC Copenhagen, Manchester United are on the verge of elimination from the Champions League after recording just one win in four games in the group.
Erik ten Hag’s United are bottom of the group but with two wins in their final two group games, as long as FC Copenhagen fail to beat Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, would see the Red Devils advance.
Going away to Galatasaray in a hostile atmosphere like Istanbul will certainly be tough but there’s one man who could be crucial for the Red Devils.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka needed
Aaron Wan-Bissaka started on the bench for the Red Devils during their 3-0 win over Sean Dyche’s Everton at Goodison Park.
Diogo Dalot started at right-back for United and it was his cross for Alejandro Garnacho that led to the Argentine’s stunning overhead kick after just three minutes.
However, resting the Portuguese defender and bringing in Wan-Bissaka may well be a smart move by Ten Hag to try and deal with former United winger Wilfried Zaha, who netted 68 Premier League goals during his time in England.
The former Crystal Palace winger netted at Old Trafford in Galatasaray’s 3-2 win on matchday two, and it was poor defending from Dalot that allowed the Ivorian to net past Andre Onana.
Wan-Bissaka playing to secure first-team spot
Dalot, despite the mistake he made against the Turkish side at Old Trafford, has performed well for the majority of this season.
Wan-Bissaka has just a year left on his contract and he may well be fighting for his future with the Portuguese defender looking like he is back to being the first choice in that position and has a close relationship with Ten Hag.
”He’s been having a really good impact on my career, especially since he came in, he gives me a lot of confidence,” the Portugal international told club media back in August about his relationship with the Dutchman.
It seems that the English defender has a lot to do to get back into the Dutchman’s thinking but if last season’s performances have taught us anything then don’t write off the £50 million right-back just yet.
If the Englishman starts the game and nullifies Zaha then expect him to be back in the lineup for Saturday’s crucial game against Newcastle United.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
