MANCHESTER UNITED players were attacked by POLICE and their bus was bricked on a dramatic Champions League away day.
And now the Red Devils are preparing to go back to the intimidating atmosphere in this season’s European campaign.
United have been pitted against Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray this year.
And the latter, based in Turkish capital Istanbul, are guaranteed to provide Erik ten Hag’s side with a hostile reception – just like in the 1990s.
Sir Alex Ferguson led United to take on Galatasaray away in the Champions League in both 1993 and 1994.
And Red Devils legend Lee Sharpe revealed the details of the first of those memorable trips.
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He said on the Squeaky Bum Time podcast: “It was unbelievable.
“Obviously we got bricked at the end of the game, coached bricked again at the end of the game.
“It was so intense, it was incredible.
“A few of the lads were getting abuse off the police.
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“The police had helmets on, visors, big shields, truncheons and they’re giving you a dig as you’re walking down.”
Sharpe also detailed the raucous response from the home fans when the players came out to warm up.
The three-time Premier League winner added: “Two hours before the game we walked out, they use the two sides of the ground and they were both packed.
“It was quiet then when we walked out and this roar went up.
“One side was silent, the other sang at them.”
The 1993 visit to Galatasaray famously saw thousands of fans turn up at the airport to introduce United into their lions’ den with ‘Welcome To Hell’ banners and bellboys at the hotel made threatening gestures.
Eric Cantona saw red and was led away by a policeman – before getting into a fight with the copper after full-time as United crashed out with a 0-0 draw.
Ten Hag’s side head to the cauldron that is the 52,600-seater RAMS Park on November 29 in Matchday 5.
Galatasaray’s squad features ex-Premier League stars Hakim Ziyech, Wilfried Zaha, Davinson Sanchez and Tanguy Ndombele – as well as Mauro Icardi and Dries Mertens.
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However, United snubbed Donny van de Beek from their 25-man squad.
United begin and end Group A against Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich, starting witha trip to Germany on Wednesday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
