Prediction: Manchester United vs Galatasaray

Verdict: Galatasaray to score over 0.5 goals

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Turning their attention back to Champions League duties on Tuesday night, a struggling Manchester United will welcome Galatasaray to Old Trafford.

Manchester United

Starting with the hosts, while Manchester United might have hoped that they had turned a much-needed corner last week, the Premier League giants came crashing back down to earth a few days ago. Putting in another downbeat performance at Old Trafford as they slumped to a toothless 1-0 loss at home against Crystal Palace, it is no secret that Erik ten Hag has some mounting pressure on his shoulders. Showing a string of issues since opening up the 2023/24 campaign, the former Ajax boss has seen his squad struggle to find any kind of stability. Along with losing four of their first seven Premier League appearances so far this season, United also got their Champions League campaign underway with an action-packed 4-3 loss at the hands of German giants Bayern Munich. Desperate to claim a crucial European boost in the red half of Manchester on Tuesday night, ten Hag’s side will certainly be under the microscope here.

Team News

Having to underdog surgery on what is expected to be a long-term foot injury, Manchester United will be without defensive talisman Lisandro Martinez. The ex-Ajax star will be joined on the sidelines by the likes of Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia and Jason Sancho.

While England international Marcus Rashford might have failed to find the net in his last six appearances for club and country, the 25-year-old should keep his spot in attack here. Summer arrival Sofyan Amrabat looks set to once again start at left-back.

Galatasaray

As for the visitors, while Galatasaray might arrive at Old Trafford tipped as a real underdog on Tuesday night, the Turkish heavyweights will be smelling the chance to spring a heavyweight upset here. Making more history last season as they got their hands on a first domestic crown since 2014, Okan Buruk’s side should find the mood in their camp at a real high. Picking up some perfect momentum over the weekend as they landed a 1-0 victory at home against Ankaragucu, the Istanbul-based outfit have continued to gain a string of plaudits. While Buruk’s side might have opened up their Champions League adventure with a 2-2 stalemate at home against Copenhagen a fortnight ago, Galatasaray are unbeaten in each of their previous 14 straight appearances across all competitions. Really riding a recent wave of momentum, there is no doubt that Tuesday’s guests will arrive at Old Trafford looking to spring a major upset.

Team News

Still dealing with a recent knee injury, Galatasaray will travel to Old Trafford without Kazimcan Karatas. However, aside from the 20-year-old midfielder, Buruk’s side have reported a clean bill of health ahead of Tuesday’s showdown.

Continuing to shine since returning to Istanbul on a permanent basis this summer and notching 10 strikes in as many appearances across all competitions, ex-PSG star Mauro Icardi will spearhead Galatasaray’s charge here. Opening his Super Lig account against Ankaragucu over the weekend, one-time Manchester United starlet Wilfried Zaha will join Icardi in attack.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester United and Galatasaray last met on Champions League duties back in November 2012, the Turkish giants landed a 1-0 victory at Rams Park.
• Including a 1-0 loss against Crystal Palace over the weekend, the Red Devils have lost four of their opening seven Premier League appearances.
• Galatasaray are unbeaten are unbeaten in each of their opening 14 appearances across all competitions since opening up the 2023/24 campaign.
• Mauro Icardi has notched 10 goals in as many appearances across all fronts.
• Continuing on from last season, Manchester United have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from their last seven showdowns at Old Trafford.

Conclusion

While Manchester United might find themselves tipped as a runaway contender to collect a first Champions League victory here, ten Hag’s struggling squad should face a stern challenge at Old Trafford. Hit with a shock 1-0 loss at home against Crystal Palace over the weekend and continuing to show a string of issues, a high-flying Galatasaray could be smelling the chance to spring a famous upset on Tuesday night. Unbeaten in each of their opening 14 appearances across all fronts, the Turkish giants will be looking to test a United defence that have mustered just a pair of clean sheets from their previous seven contests at Old Trafford.

Verdict: Galatasaray to score over 0.5 goals

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet