Manchester United desperate for a win as they face dangerous Galatasaray

Manchester United trained under the heaviest of grey Mancunian skies on Monday afternoon, the weather mirroring the mood among fans after four defeats in their opening seven Premier League games, the latest being the most disappointing, at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

United are 10th in the table and a long shot for even entering a title race, let alone winning a first one in 11 years. On Tuesday, United play the third of four home games in the space of 11 days, a Champions League tie against in-form Turkish champions Galatasaray, who have won six of their seven league games and drew their first Champions League group game 2-2 at home against FC Copenhagen.

Both Galatasaray goals came in the final four minutes of the game as they chased a result against the 10-man Danes. Late goals have been a trend for Galatasaray in Europe this season.

Winger Antony is available for selection for United, while defender Lisandro Martinez will have further surgery on his injured foot. United still have extensive injury problems but need a win, with manager Erik ten Hag saying: “Top football is always about the result. If the execution and process is not right then you don’t go to win.”

United’s has been far from right recently, with only seven goals from seven league games, three of those against Nottingham Forest. United also scored three goals in their opening Champions League tie in Munich, a 4-3 defeat to Bayern.

Another loss is unthinkable, yet United won’t do what they did when the teams first met in 1993 - underestimate their Turkish opponents. Then, United surged into an early 2-0 lead before quickly finding themselves 3-2 down before salvaging a 3-3 draw. Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he was in shock afterwards.

Andre Onana