Goalkeeper Andre Onana’s horror show allowed Galatasaray to secure a draw in a classic match in Istanbul, dealing a setback to Manchester United’s Champions League hopes. Despite Erik ten Hag’s side doing much right and holding a two-goal lead twice, Onana’s errors provided lifelines for Galatasaray, leaving United at the bottom of Group A. The team’s qualification for the knockout phase hangs in the balance before their final game against Bayern Munich at home.
If Copenhagen beats Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena, Manchester United faces elimination from the competition with a game to spare, although they could still qualify for the Europa League.
In a commanding position early on, United scored superb goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes within the first 18 minutes, akin to their performance in the last Champions League game in Copenhagen. Onana’s poor attempt to stop Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick allowed Galatasaray to get back in the game before half-time.
Onana has now conceded the most goals in the Champions League this season (14) 👀 pic.twitter.com/fd4r4laDHr
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) November 29, 2023
Scott McTominay extended United’s lead to 3-1 by turning in Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross 10 minutes into the second half. However, another blunder from Onana gifted Ziyech a second goal from a free-kick, and Galatasaray’s Kerem Akturkoglu leveled the score with an explosive finish 19 minutes before the end.
In a dramatic end-to-end finale, Galatasaray’s Wilfried Zaha missed a glorious chance, and Fernandes struck the upright. United’s Champions League destiny was taken out of their own hands.
United, left to lament Onana’s blunders, saw history repeat itself in a negative way, regretting another instance of squandering a strong Champions League position and putting their hopes of reaching the last 16 in serious jeopardy. The 4-3 loss in Copenhagen was a deja vu moment for the team, with goalkeeper Onana bearing the brunt of the blame for positioning errors, leaving him disconsolate as the final whistle sounded in Istanbul.