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    Galatasaray ‘broke little-known rule’ before goal against Man Utd with claims it should NOT have counted

    GALATASARAY have been accused of breaking a little-known rule of the game to score their first goal against Manchester United, with some claiming it should have been disallowed.Hakim Ziyech sparked the hosts’ comeback as he whipped a free kick past Andre Onana after United had raced into a 2-0 lead.
    Mauro Icardi appeared to be standing too close to the wall when the free kick was taken
    However the goal could have been chalked off as Mauro Icardi appeared to commit an infringement as the shot was taken.
    That’s because he was only 61 centimetres away from Rasmus Hojlund, who was standing in the wall, according to beIN SPORTS.
    And Ifab Law 13.3 states: “If, when a free kick is taken, an attacking team player is less than 1 m (1 yd) from a ‘wall’ formed by three or more defending team players, an indirect free kick is awarded.”
    United’s wall contained four players and Icardi appeared to be standing right next to it as Ziyech took the free-kick, which meant the goal could have been chalked off.
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    Galatasaray did have one goal disallowed after Icardi was judged to be offside in the tightest of calls.
    Scott McTominay was also fortunate not to concede a penalty after the ball struck his arm in the area.
    That did not dampen the hosts’ spirits however as Ziyech fired in another free-kick which Andre Onana somehow spilled into his own net.
    Muhammed Aktürkoğlu then came off the bench to level the match at 3-3 with a rocket that flew into the top corner, and that is how the match ended.
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    United are now on the brink of Champions League elimination and must beat Bayern Munich in their final game.
    Even if they manage to win that tricky contest United could exit the competition if the result between Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen doesn’t go their way. More

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    Galatasaray 3 Man Utd 3: United COLLAPSE in ‘Hell’ to leave Champions League hopes hanging by thread after Onana howler

    THROUGH hell and high water, Manchester United tossed away a crucial victory and left their Champions League qualification hopes hanging by a thread.  Having been welcomed by a giant ‘Welcome To Hell’ message from Galatasaray fans, in a match which had been threatened by torrential rain, United keeper Andre Onana suffered a nightmare evening.
    Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoringCredit: Reuters

    Scott McTominay scored United’s thirdCredit: Reuters
    But Hakim Ziyech’s masterclass ensured the points were sharedCredit: Alamy
    “What on earth is the Man Utd goalkeeper doing there?!” 😳André Onana will not want to watch that one back as Hakim Ziyech’s set-piece pulls another one back for Galatasaray!#UCL pic.twitter.com/o0R7vzaCdO— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 29, 2023

    Man Utd were second best for large portions of the match
    The Cameroonian twice blundered to gift Hakim Ziyech a free-kick double which pegged United back from two-goal leads. 
    Then a stunning equaliser from sub Kerem Akturkoglu denied United victory.
    In a breathless encounter, United had attacked with swagger, verve and intensity for so long – scoring twice in the first 18 minutes through Alejandro Garnacho and a Bruno Fernandes belter before Scott McTominay looked to have sealed the deal with a second-half poacher’s strike. 
    Erik ten Hag’s side, who face Bayern in their final group match on December 12, had confronted a hostile environment with great composure early on and will be kicking themselves that they allowed victory to slip away.   
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    The match had been in grave peril of postponement as Istanbul was battered by extreme rain, leaving the pitch looking unplayable a couple of hours before kick-off.
    It was ‘Manchester weather’ as Ten Hag joked pre-match – reminiscent of the two-day wash-out which cost England’s cricketers The Ashes at the other Old Trafford this summer.
    But the wet stuff eased and, remarkably, it was game on. 
    Despite his outstanding full league debut at Everton on Sunday, teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was left on the bench in favour of Sofyan Amrabat, while Hojlund and Antony returned from injury to replace Anthony Martial and the banned Marcus Rashford. 
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    A breakdown of how Fernandes played against Galatasaray
    The Man Utd captain was all over the pitch
    Since their last Champions League defeat in Copenhagen, United had been buoyed by two league victories over Luton and Everton but this trip represented entirely different gravy. 
    The noise inside the Ali Sami Yen Stadium hammered at the eardrums during the warm-up and nobody English was made to feel welcome at this most chaotic and inhospitable of Champions League venues. 
    The words ‘Welcome To Hell’ were displayed in English on red and yellow sheets in the stand opposite the tunnel as the teams emerged – with the home fans fully embracing memories of United’s tempestuous 1993 exit at this venue.  
    Early on, Fernandes fed Garnacho, whose cross was almost bundled in by Hojlund as the shrillness of the crowd threatened to make your ears bleed. 
    And on 11 minutes, Garnacho grabbed another goal – not as spectacular as that at Everton but just as important. 
    Scott McTominay drove forward and Hojlund’s hold-up play was exemplary as he allowed Fernandes to find Garnacho, the Argentinian hammering into the roof of the net from an angle. 
    It was the Argentine’s first Champions League goal and, when he put his fingers to his lips in front of the home fans, he was pelted with missiles. 
    Garnacho fired his strike into the roof of the netCredit: Rex
    But Onana’s howler ensured there would be no win for Man UtdCredit: Rex
    Only one of Garnacho’s four shots on the night ended in a goal
    Instantly, the Turkish side forced a corner and Onana made a fine sprawling save in the scramble – with Galatasaray appeals for a handball against McTominay ignored by the Spanish ref and his VAR.
    Unperturbed, United netted a stunning second which silenced the din – Luke Shaw finding Fernandes who advanced and unleashed a rocket into the top corner. 
    Antony was outstanding, at one point speeding away from his own box, vaulting challenges and being chopped down at speed. 
    But the deficit was reduced just before the half-hour when Fernandes was booked for upending former Arsenal titch Lucas Torreira and Ziyech drilled the free-kick across the sodden turf, catching out a dumbstruck Onana.  
    Now, we had a real contest – a proper, ferocious game of football. 
    Former Chelsea man Ziyech was soon weaving away again and lashing one narrowly over from distance, before a Wilf Zaha shot was brilliantly blocked by Harry Maguire.
    Mauro Icardi thumped a shot past Onana but was narrowly offside, sparking fury in the stands. 
    But after Galatasaray had made a bright start to the second half, United netted again – Antony surging forward and finding an overlapping Aaron Wan-Bissaka who squared for McTominay to poke in.
    The decibel levels decreased significantly and Ten Hag sent on Mainoo and Martial. 
    But soon Ziyech – and Onana – was at it again, the winger whipping in a free-kick from the right and Onana flapping horribly to allow the ball under his arm.
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    And nine minutes later, Galatasaray were level when sub Kerem Akturkoglu lashed a shot from out wide, beating Onana all ends up. 
    After Zaha had created space but shot straight at Onana, Fernandes lashed a long-ranger against the post. 
    Andre Onana did not cover himself in glory with his passing either
    Galatasaray had a goal ruled out narrowly by VARCredit: TNT Sports More

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    Man Utd player ratings: Onana has night to forget but Fernandes scores cracker and almost nets winner vs Galatasaray

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S Champions League campaign has been left hanging by a thread after a six-goal thriller in Turkey. Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay and Hakim Ziyech were all on the scoresheet.
    Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu made it 3-3Credit: Reuters
    But it was sub Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu’s 71st minute leveller to make it 3-3 which proved decisive.
    Here is how Neil Custis rated United’s players from Istanbul.
    ANDRE ONANA – 4
    The Cameroon international had a night to forget with him at fault for both of Galatasaray’s first two goals.
    The decision to replace David De Gea with the former Inter Milan goalkeeper continues to look flawed.
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    AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 6
    Showed his influence going forward once more by setting up Scott McTominay to make it 3-1.
    HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
    It seems that having the captaincy taken from him has released a huge burden on his shoulders and is back to his best form.
    Andre Onana was at fault for Galatasaray’s two opening goalsCredit: Rex

    VICTOR LINDELOF – 6
    You would not have thought at the start of the season that he and Maguire would be the centre-back pairing to be relied on now, but both deserve their places.
    LUKE SHAW – 6
    His return has been more than welcome bringing authority to that left back position once again but did not have his usual influence further upfield.
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    SCOTT MCTOMINAY – 6
    Having looked like he was on his way out of Old Trafford in the summer he has become a consistent regular in the team once more.
    Scott McTominay got on the score sheetCredit: AFP
    SOFYAN AMRABAT – 6
    Solid enough as a shield in front of the back four but an early yellow card left him walking a tightrope and no doubt lead to his substitution early in the second-half.
    ANTONY – 7
    This was more like it from the former Ajax winger as he played on the front foot from the start of the game but faded in the second period.
    BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
    Hit an absolute cracker to put United 2-0 up in a fine first half performance and almost won it late on when he rattled the woodwork with another long range effort.
    Bruno Fernandes scored a screamerCredit: AFP

    ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7
    Fernandes said before the game he hoped for another piece of magic from the teenager after his overhead kick at the weekend and the Argentine duly delivered by blasting the opener into the near top corner.
    RASMUS HOJLUND – 6
    Did plenty of running once again but he just does not get enough chances and work still needs to be done on the link up play with him.
    SUBSTITUTES
    KOBBIE MAINOO: (On for Amrabat 57) – 5
    Unfortunate not to start. Lost his man though as Galatasaray levelled through Kerem Akturkoglu.
    ANTHONY MARTIAL (On for Hojlund 58) – 5
    Failed to make an impression up front as Galatasaray got back into the game.
    DIOGO DALOT (On for Wan-Bissaka 78) – 6
    Almost made an immediate impression as he got forward and got a shot on goal.
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    FACUNDO PELLISTRI: (On for Garnacho 78) – 6
    Nearly won it for United when he wriggled into the box only to shoot over the bar.

    Facundo Pellistri came off the bench for UnitedCredit: EPA More

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    Man Utd keeper Andre Onana makes another HOWLER against Galatasaray as stunned Rio Ferdinand simply says ‘wow’

    ANDRE ONANA was left red-faced after palming a free-kick into the back of his own net.The Manchester United goalkeeper was caught out by Hakim Ziyech, whose whipped free-kick missed everyone in the box.
    “What on earth is the Man Utd goalkeeper doing there?!” 😳André Onana will not want to watch that one back as Hakim Ziyech’s set-piece pulls another one back for Galatasaray!#UCL pic.twitter.com/o0R7vzaCdO— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 29, 2023

    Andre Onana let Hakim Ziyech’s shot slip under his bodyCredit: TNT sports
    Onana wanted the ground to swallow him upCredit: Rex
    The former Chelsea star appeared to cross the ball but it went straight to Onana, who had the seemingly easy task of catching the ball.
    However he instead bundled the ball into his own goal, giving Galatasaray a lifeline as they made the score 3-2 to United.
    Galatasaray’s first goal came in similar fashion as Ziyech whipped the ball past Onana from a free-kick.
    The ball went around the goal and the keeper appeared to be unsighted as it flew past him.
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    Onana could do nothing about Galatasaray’s third goal however as Muhammed Aktürkoğlu fired a rocket into the top corner.
    Fans poked fun at the Cameroon international with some harsh criticism of his mistake.
    Rio Ferdinand responded simply to his blunder stating: “Wow.”
    While another former Red Devil Paul Scholes said: “It’s a shame because he’s started to look okay the last few weeks.
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    “It’s the Champions League where it’s been a struggle for him. I don’t think his concentration is there which is the most important thing for a goalkeeper.”
    Onana has now made the most errors leading to opposition goals in the Champions League since 2018-19 with seven. More

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    Fans call ‘FIX’ as Galatasaray have goal vs Man Utd ruled out for controversial VAR after McTominay handball ignored

    FANS believe Manchester United’s clash with Galatasaray has been rigged after the Red Devils benefitted from a tight offside call and a controversial handball decision.The Red Devils raced into a 2-0 lead in Istanbul but could have gone into half-time all square.
    Mauro Icardi was judged to be offside by the highest of margins
    Scott McTominay was not penalised after the ball struck his arm
    Hakim Ziyech pulled one back and Mauro Icardi then fired past Andre Onana – only to be called offside.
    The lino flagged the striker offside and VAR backed up his decision in a matter of seconds – seemingly without drawing the lines.
    Even the semi-automated system sparked controversy as Harry Maguire appeared to play Icardi onside with the top of his arm.
    A fan reacted saying: “Never offside. Such a disgrace.”
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    Another remarked: “Where were the lines? He looks on.”
    And a third wrote: “Robbery.”
    Galatasaray also could have had a penalty but Scott McTominay was judged not to have committed a handball despite the ball striking his arm in the penalty box.
    Fans were outraged by the decision – particularly as it came less than 24 hours after Newcastle defender Tino Livramento was punished for a lesser offence.
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    The right-back was penalised for handball despite the ball coming off his thigh first before hitting his arm with the faintest of touches.
    Champions League referees have been quick to point to the spot whenever a ball strikes a players hand in the area – as United found out to their advantage and their detriment in their previous European clash against Copenhagen.
    United have conceded a penalty in their four previous Champions League games, yet some fans feel the referee letting them off means the game is a fix.
    One said: “Think about it… Uefa will lose a lot of profit if United don’t make it through, so they will do as much as they can to make them qualify.
    “RIGGED 🥴🥴🥴”
    Another added: “This is a clear penalty, VAR rigging the match for Manchester United again smh💔🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️”
    A third said: “To be honest that was a clear penalty, fix is def in tbh.” More

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    Robbie Savage’s praise of Man Utd star instantly backfires in awkward moment live on TNT Sports against Galatasaray

    ROBBIE SAVAGE’S praise for Bruno Fernandes instantly backfired as the Manchester United captain gifted Galatasaray a goal.Fernandes had doubled his side’s lead in Turkey after Alejandro Garnacho’s opener.
    Bruno Fernandes’ foul led to a Galatasaray goal
    The host’s were on the break when Fernandes sprinted back and gave away a foul.
    He was initially praised by TNT Sports commentator Savage for tracking back.
    Savage said: “Look at Fernandes, just look at the captain. Look at that recovery run! Recovery runs, look at him now, he’s still going.”
    The former player-turned pundit then let out a laugh and said “that’s unlucky” as Fernandes conceded a foul.
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    And the resulting free-kick led to ex-Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech curling home to pull one back and leave egg on Savage’s face.
    One fan said: “Robbie Savage getting so excited by Bruno tracking back and ends up committing a foul which leads to a goal.”
    Another added: “Robbie Savage wetting himself over Bruno tracking back, just for him to give away the free they concede from.”
    One joked: “Hilarious for Robbie Savage to be gagging over Bruno Fernandes just before he gave away a silly foul and also left a gap in the wall for Galatasaray’s goal.”
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    Another posted: “Funny Robbie Savage waxing lyrical about Fernandes led to their goal.”
    Alejandro Garnacho got United off to a flyer by opening the score on 11 minutes with Fernandes soon doubling the lead.
    But former Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech pulled one back on the half hour mark with a sublime curling free kick.
    Scott McTominay made it 3-1 on 55 minutes but another Ziyech goal again tightened the score leading to a nervy last half hour.
    And the pressure proved to much for United as Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu made it 3-3 with the game ending in a six-goal thriller.

    Hakim Ziyech curled the free kick homeCredit: Reuters
    The ex-Chelsea star pulled one backCredit: Reuters More

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    Why are Man Utd wearing a changed kit against Galatasaray in the Champions League?

    MANCHESTER UNITED face Galatasaray in a must-win Champions League Group A match – and there has been a change in kit.The Red Devils are in need of a win to keep their European hopes alive this season.
    Manchester United are currently leadingCredit: Reuters
    Ant they’ll be hoping their kit change will be a good omen in this mouthwatering encounter.
    But why have they changed their kit?
    Why are Man Utd wearing a changed kit?
    United typically pair their white away strip with white shorts but wanted to avoid a potential clash with Galatasaray.
    The Turkish giants traditionally wear white shorts alongside their red and orange mixed shirts.
    Erik ten Hag’s side were forced to change their usual strip when Galatasaray visited Old Trafford in September.
    United swapped their white shorts for black on that occasion as the Turks wore an all-white kit.
    What do Man Utd need to do to qualify for last-16 of the Champions League?
    The Red Devils can only qualify for the last-16 of the Champions League by finishing second in Group A.
    That is due to Bayern Munich having already confirmed their title as group winners as the German giants have 12 points after winning all four of their games.
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    If Man Utd lose against Galatasaray
    Should United lose against Galatasaray on Matchday 5 they will be OUT of the Champions League as the Turkish giants go four points ahead with only three left to play for.
    If Man Utd win against Galatasaray
    If Erik ten Hag’s men beat Galatasaray on their own turf, they would go up to six points and would qualify for the last-16 with a win against Bayern in their final game unless Copenhagen overcome the Germans and Galatasaray in their final two matches.
    Should United claim all three points in Istanbul but lose to the Germans in their final game, they would need Bayern to win against the Danes and there not to be a winner in Copenhagen vs Galatasaray.
    If Man Utd draw with Galatasaray
    A draw in Istanbul and Bayern beating Copenhagen would mean a win over Thomas Tuchel’s side at Old Trafford would result in the Red Devils qualifying for the last-16 if Galatasaray fail to win against Copenhagen.
    Should the Danes draw in Munich and the Red Devils triumph over Bayern in their final Group A game, that would see them progress if Copenhagen vs Galatasaray ends in a draw.
    If the Turkish side beat the Danes in Gameweek 6 after drawing with Man Utd, they will go through to the knockout stages.
    If Man Utd draw in Istanbul and then beat Bayern and Copenhagen win their final group stage game after losing their penultimate Group A match, they would be both on seven points, but Ten Hag’s side would go through with a better head-to-head record as they have scored more away goals in the matches between the two. More

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    Man Utd given frightening reception at Galatasaray as fans once again display huge ‘Welcome To Hell’ sign

    MANCHESTER UNITED were given a frightening reception at Galatasaray as fans displayed a huge “Welcome To Hell” sign. The Turkish giants are notorious for their hostile treatment of visitors to RAMS Park.
    Galatasaray fans hold up a ‘Welcome To Hell’ signCredit: PA
    And United’s Champions League trip was no different as the welcome to hell warning lit up in Galatasaray colours.
    The Turk side infamously offered a similar welcome when the Red Devils visited in 1993.
    Galatasaray had shown they were no pushovers with a 3-3 first-leg draw at Old Trafford a fortnight earlier and an ominous message from manager Reiner Hollmann.
    Vowing “they’ll be waiting for you,” for the return leg was a huge understatement.
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    The “Welcome to Hell” banners at Istanbul airport were more accurate.
    United’s coach was pelted with missiles en route to their plush hotel and even the walk to reception was menacing.
    Once there, a young bell boy drew a finger across his throat. United were not short of battle-hardened warriors, either.
    Steve Bruce, Bryan Robson, Roy Keane, Paul Ince, Eric Cantona and Peter Schmeichel were all in the side.
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    This is how Galatasaray fans welcomed United players and officials to Istanbul in 1993Credit: PA
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    But nothing they had faced before came close to the Ali Sami Yen Stadium.
    The match itself was a drab 0-0, which KO’d United on away goals.
    Erik ten Hag’s side needed a win in Turkey to guarantee qualification into the knockout stages.
    And Alejandro Garnacho got United off to a flyer by opening the score on 11 minutes with Bruno Fernandes soon doubling the lead.
    But former Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech pulled one back on the half hour mark with a sublime curling free kick.
    Scott McTominay made it 3-1 on 55 minutes but another Ziyech goal again tightened the score leading to a nervy last half hour.
    And the pressure proved to much for United as Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu made it 3-3 with the game ending in a six-goal thriller.
    Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring in TurkeyCredit: Rex More