Manchester United now depend on results in another match after a disastrous draw with Galatasaray.
The Red Devils took an early two-goal lead on their trip to Istanbul. Accordingly, Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes respectively helped Man Utd score 2 goals with excellent shots.
However, Man Utd lost a big advantage when Andre Onana was fooled by Hakim Ziyech’s brilliant free kick. After the break, Scott McTominay restored Man United’s two-goal lead with a sharp strike.
However, the away team continued to be destroyed by another free kick not long after. None other than Onana once again made a mistake when trying to block Ziyech’s kick, before Kerem Akturkoglu came down and delivered a thunderous kick to seal the score at 3-3.
Although the final result was really disappointing for coach Erik ten Hag and his team, it brought a little hope of reaching the knockout round for the England representative before the final match. Because in the following match, Copenhagen did not get the 3 points needed to eliminate Man Utd.
That match started later, with the German champions assured of reaching the last 16 as group leaders after four straight wins. However, coach Thomas Tuchel still arranged a strong team with Harry Kane present.
Bayern dominated possession, but the draw with Copenhagen was completely reasonable. The draw helped Copenhagen climb to second place with a 5-point tie with Galatasaray but ranked higher thanks to goal difference.
Man United is ranked bottom of the table with 4 points and no longer has the right to self-determination in the battle for the remaining ticket to the round of 16. Man Utd doesn’t just need to beat Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.
But that is only a necessary condition. Man Utd hopes that Copenhagen and Galatasaray will have to draw when the two teams meet in the final match. Any victory for Copenhagen or Galatasaray means Man Utd is eliminated from the game.
If Copenhagen and Galatasaray draw, both will have 6 points. As for Man Utd, they will advance with 7 points if they defeat Bayern Munich. On the contrary, Copenhagen or Galatasaray will have 8 points in case they win the last round and ensure their place in the next round.
It’s a perfect scenario but really difficult for Man Utd. In fact, Copenhagen and Galatasaray have no reason to hold each other back. With both teams holding the right to self-determination in their hands, both teams will compete fairly to win 3 points and the ticket to pass the group stage.
At that time, the opportunity may no longer be within Man Utd’s reach. Overall, the draw against Galatasaray was a disastrous result. It could end Man Utd’s Champions League dream right from the group stage.
The consolation for Man Utd is that a win or draw against Bayern Munich may be enough to secure third place, thereby participating in the Europa League, although they will have to compete from the play-off round.