Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League season knockout hopes are already out before playing the final group stage fixture against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford, as they played to a 3-3 draw against Galatasaray, leading to their exit from the European competition.
Despite having solid outings in a crucial must-win game, Manchester United threw away a two-goal lead with their shot-stopper Andre Onana repeating the catastrophic error from their opener at the Allianz Arena. The boss, Eric ten Hag, has once again defended his keeper following the UCL exit.
Erik ten Hag backs Andre Onana
Prior to the Wednesday clash against Galatasaray in Istanbul, Manchester United had only registered a single win and three draws. They needed six points in the remaining two group games. Unfortunately, after the recent draw, there’s no hope for Ten Hag’s side to progress.”
In a thrilling game, United was leading by two goals over the hosts, yet they failed to maintain the difference as Andre Onana’s crucial mistakes led to an equalizer. With this draw, they now find themselves at the bottom of the Group A points table with 4 points registered so far.
Just when the Cameroonian international was looking still and confident after his recent Premier League performance, keeping a clean sheet against Everton last weekend, he delivered another disappointing performance. Despite the poor outing, Eric ten Hag has backed Onana, refusing to blame any individual for the results.
He said, “Andre is okay. As I said, it is not about individuals. Of course, individual errors in football can make a difference, and you take responsibility for it, but it is always about the team,’ regarding Onana’s display.”
Andre Onana’s horror show vs Galatasaray
Manchester United did everything right in the match, poised to secure their second victory and revive their Champions League knockout hopes. However, two errors from Manchester United’s first choice shot stopper spoiled the results for the English side.
The 27-year-old was the difference-maker in their only 1-0 win in the competition against FC Copenhagen at home. Onana stepped up to save a stoppage-time penalty for his side. However, in Istanbul, his mistakes paved the way for Galatasaray to come from behind and secure a single point.
Andre Onana made a couple of blunders while defending against Hakim Ziyech, who got the better of the keeper with his two free-kicks that ended up in the net, costing United two-goal advantages on two occasions.
As a result, United will now be competing in the Europa League following their exit from the Champions League.
