welcome to hell
Man United have only 3 points in Group A after 4 matches of the UEFA Champions League this season. They must win against Galatasaray (a team with 4 points) away from home, otherwise their chances of advancing will almost be ruined. This is a "child" match for Erik ten Hag and his team.
Man United's experience evokes painful memories for their fans 30 years ago. In the 1993-1999 Champions League season, Man United set high ambitions, after starting to establish their position in the Premier League. This is also the Red Devils' first season at the number 1 playground in the continent since 1969.
In the first leg of that second leg, Man United were surprisingly held to a 3-3 draw by Galatasaray at Old Trafford. That has put Alex Ferguson and his team in a difficult position in the return match in Istanbul. But at that time, Man United were not aware of what was coming to them.
The Man United members were welcomed at the airport by thousands of Galatasaray fans, one waving a notorious banner with the words "Welcome to Hell". Some others showed threatening gestures. Alex Ferguson, Man United's manager at the time, described it as "the greatest hostility and harassment" he had ever known.
Entering the match, Man United played unstable here in the angry atmosphere at Ali Sami Yen Stadium. The English team only drew 0-0 and were eliminated due to the away goal rule. But the away team's "dream" did not stop there.
Man United star striker Eric Cantona was attacked by a Turkish police officer after being sent off after the final whistle. Secretary Bryan Robson tried to save Cantona, but was later injured, having toast 6 stitches in his arm.
"The real hate is unbelievable. Even the police have started to take advantage of us, said former Man United midfielder Paul Ince. Center back Gary Pallister said the atmosphere at Galatasaray was filled with hatred, just like Man United playing at Liverpool's Anfield.
Man United's bus was thrown bricks and stones away from the stadium, leaving Ferguson stunned and exclaiming: "I never want to go back there again". However, just 1 year later, the Old Trafford team continued to meet Galatasaray in Europe. The 0-0 draw away from home was one of the reasons why Man United were eliminated in the group stage.
Galatasaray is Man United's nightmare when visiting, because the English team has not won any of the upcoming 3 matches, including a 0-1 loss in the group stage of the 2012-13 Champions League. Although Ali Sami Yen Stadium closed in 2010, Man United's upcoming match still has many potential risks. Winning the match at Galatasaray is always a difficult task for any team.
Man United in the same situation
In the first leg, Man United lost to Galatasaray despite leading twice. However, their sloppy defense and mistakes from Onana cost them a bitter defeat. The Red Devils' spirit has been lifted, after Everton's 3-0 win in the Premier League last weekend.
This was Man United's biggest win of the season. Alejandro Garnacho helped the home team have a favorable situation, after a beautiful "reverse goal bicycle". Marcus Rashford and Antony Martial are the remaining two goalscorers for the Old Trafford team.
In fact, Man United are only 6 points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League, after a difficult start. Now is the time for Erik ten Hag's team to show their mettle in the European playground.
Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo's return from injury will give them strength, to overcome the pressure on Galatasaray's field.
The Galatasaray vs Man United match will take place at 00:45 on 30/10.
