Get ready for a massive Champions League night at Old Trafford as Manchester United host Turkish giants Galatasaray! Both teams are coming off dramatic matches last time out.

In Istanbul, Galatasaray pulled off an incredible last-gasp comeback against FC Copenhagen. With just minutes left, Galatasaray were losing 2-0 which would have been a disaster. 

But their stars Boey and Tete smashed in two brilliant goals right at the end to rescue a 2-2 tie. The fans went wild! That thrilling fightback shows Galatasaray have the quality and spirit to battle Europe's best teams.

Meanwhile in Manchester, United suffered a late heartbreak of their own against Bayern Munich. Young striker Hojlund put United ahead early which raised hopes of a huge upset. 

But mighty Bayern eventually took control and turned the match around. Despite battling hard, United's young team just aren't at Bayern's level yet. Still, the experience of facing Europe's elite will only aid their development.

When Galatasaray visit Old Trafford, United will be hungry to bounce back from that tough loss. New manager Erik Ten Hag has them playing exciting soccer already. 

Manchester United vs Galatasaray

The match will take place on Wednesday, 4th October, 2023, at Old Trafford

Man United Succumb Late to Rejuvenated Bayern

After a disappointing 2021-22 campaign, there was a feeling of cautious optimism surrounding Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag arrived as manager ahead of the 2023-24 season. 

There seemed to be a renewed energy and focus as Ten Hag looked to implement his playing philosophy and get United back to challenging for trophies.

The opening few games were a bit shaky as United tried to adjust to Ten Hag's high pressing, possession-based style. There were some hiccups that showed the players were still getting up to match speed both physically and tactically.

Old Trafford was rocking after Manchester United took an early lead over mighty Bayern Munich through young striker Rasmus Hojlund's first Red Devils goal. Could a monumental upset be in store?

Promising Start Quickly Evaporates

But United's bright opening quickly faded as Bayern took control through their trademark crisp passing. Within minutes, Serge Gnabry leveled things up to silence the home crowd.

Controversial Call Proves Costly

Just after the break, United looked poised to draw level after Casemiro converted for Bayern. But a lengthy VAR review controversially disallowed Christian Eriksen's goal for a handball in the buildup.

That gutting reversed call allowed Bayern to stay ahead. It marked the turning point from which a battered United never recovered. The loss of Eriksen's midfield guile was also a crushing blow.

No Match for Rampant Bayern

Try as they might, United's weary legs couldn't match Bayern's quality and intensity after going down 3-1. The Bavarian giants moved the ball around at will to slice up United's defense.

In the end, the scoreline fairly reflected Bayern's total control. For United's inexperienced squad, this harsh lesson will aid their development into a future European force. But for now, they remain a level below the continent's elite.

Time for United to Step Up

Are United back to title challengers in the Champions League ? Probably not. There still seems to be a talent deficit compared to Manchester City or Liverpool. But with smart January reinforcements, reaching top four and winning a domestic cup are realistic goals in Ten Hag's debut season.

The biggest positives so far are the style of play and mentality Ten Hag has instilled. With Rashford's resurgence and Ten Hag's tactical acumen, there are finally reasons for optimism around Manchester United.

What more to expect?

This season already seems a turning point where United are laying the groundwork to eventually get back to England's elite tier. 

If Ten Hag is supported with more transfer windows to mold the squad, United may just be getting started on returning to glory. 

There will be more growing pains but the project seems firmly headed in the right direction under their impressive new manager.

Galatasaray Deliver Dramatic Late Comeback

Just when it seemed Copenhagen would leave Istanbul with a stunning 2-0 victory, Galatasaray scored two wonderful  goals in the last few minutes to steal a dramatic tie!

Lightning Strikes Twice at the Death

After a tense match where fortune favored the visitors, Galatasaray's stars sparkled late on. Sacha Boey and Tete smashed unstoppable shots into the net to send the home crowd into a frenzy.

From the Jaws of Defeat

For over 80 minutes, Galatasaray huffed and puffed but couldn't find the net despite dominating play. Copenhagen's physical defending and some desperate luck kept the Turks at bay.

When the clock ticked under 10 minutes left, Copenhagen were still ahead 2-0 and set to shock their esteemed opponents. But Galatasaray's refusal to surrender turned the match on its head at the death in astonishing fashion.

Comeback Inspires Confidence

Even though they hoped for a victorious start to their Champions League return, Galatasaray should take pride in this spirited revival.

The character and skill displayed during their thrilling fightback demonstrates the Turkish giants can compete again with Europe's best. This will lift confidence going forward.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United: Onana, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Reguilon; Casemiro, Amrabat, Fernandes; Pellistri, Hojlund, Rashford.

Galatasaray: Muslera; Boey, Nelsson, Bardakci, Angelino; Oliveira, Torreira; Ak Turkoglu, Mertens, Yilmaz; Icardi

Key Battles

Galatasaray's crafty Belgian forward Mertens could cause problems for United's defense. But United's pace on the counter attack is a major threat, especially with in-form Rashford looking sharp.

Conclusion

This is a massive chance for United to get their first win and kick start their Champions League campaign. The fans at the famous Old Trafford stadium will be fired up to support their team against the Turks. Galatasaray have the quality to punish United if they aren't careful, as we saw in their last game.

While United may not challenge for the Champions League title this season, the future looks bright under Ten Hag. With a few more smart signings, United can get back to the top tier of European soccer over the next few years. For now, they need to keep developing and gaining experience at this level. Facing top teams like Galatasaray will only make United's young squad better.