Manchester United are back in dismay following their draw against Galatasaray in UEFA Champions League, right after seeing out a positive match against Everton in the league. It’s all ‘one-step forward, two-steps back’ for United at the moment, as they bottled a two-goal cushion twice to a very motivated Galatasaray team. This match also happened to be the game where United wore red shorts in a match for the first time in 66 years.
Individual errors from players, which received invited a lot of criticism, cost United the chance of bagging three very crucial points in the qualification race. However, Erik ten Hag, left very disappointed with the result, has come out to acknowledge the reasons behind the collapse.
United boss singles out things responsible for Galatasaray’s comeback
Galatasaray, who felt decisions going against them, came from two goals behind twice to share spoils with the Red Devils, who had a decent game, subtracting the poor defensive lapses to concede three goals.
United’s defense has haunted them a lot in the UCL this season, where they have conceded 14 goals, a few of which have been errors on Andre Onana’s part, for which he even came out to apologize publicly.
Manchester United have conceded 33 goals this season 😬
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 29, 2023
That's the most in their opening 20 games of any season since 1962-63 😲#UCL pic.twitter.com/TFcqUneOYS
However, Erik ten Hag refused to shift the blame completely on Onana, and said that it was not any individual but the team that made mistakes. The Dutch manager added that it was him who was responsible, being the manager, when asked about who was to blame for the result.
Erik ten Hag refused to blame André Onana after the keeper's errors cost Manchester United in their 3-3 draw at Galatasaray:
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) November 30, 2023
'He is OK. It is not about an individual. Individual errors can make a difference and you take responsibility for it, but it is always about the team' pic.twitter.com/LMgms2MxGW
The United boss went on to highlight the positives in the match and how his team played, but also criticized his defense. He stated, “I was pleased with how we played but at the same time I have to criticize the team because the defending is not good enough”. He also mentioned that every goal was different in its kind, and that the failure to block the transition affected the result.
Manchester United’s bold kit change
Amidst the drama, Manchester United on Wednesday did something unique and rare, as they were seen donning red shorts for the first time since 1957.
🟥| @ManUtd in red shorts for the first time since 1957 😍 pic.twitter.com/NePfDKASy2
— The Shirt Union (@TheShirtUnion) November 29, 2023
However, it was not a choice, but a mandate from UEFA as two teams cannot cross colors of their shorts. Galatasaray, being the home team, wore their traditional colors, which meant United could not wear their usual white colored shorts.
Change of kit, however, did not mean change of fortune as United are now in a pickle, and their qualification to the next round is in limbo. The Manchester Reds are left with one must-win match to play, that too against Bayern Munich, and simultaneously a draw between Galatasaray and Copenhagen to pray.
Are there chances of Manchester United still qualifying for the UCL Round of 16? Let us know by commenting below.
