Rasmus Hojlund is Man Utd’s next superstar but Galatasaray loss exposes issues

Manchester United fell to a shock 3-2 defeat against Galatasaray in the Champions League – giving themselves the huge task of overcoming successive defeats in their European group. Former star Wilfried Zaha came back to haunt his former side before the Red Devils imploded and relinquished a 2-1 lead. 

Hojlund backs up Ten Hag claim

Erik ten Hag backed Rasmus Hojlund to score more goals after he opened his account in United’s Champions League opener against Bayern Munich. 

And the summer signing delivered with a thumping header in the opening stages of the clash with Galatasaray. Marcus Rashford’s whipped cross was slammed home by Hojlund from six yards. 

With United pegged back by Zaha’s equaliser, Hojlund took control of the contest and powerfully sprinted through on goal, dinking the ball over goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. He could have had a hat-trick had he not strayed slightly offside before finishing clinically 10 minutes before his second strike. 

“We know he can score, so we are happy,” Ten Hag said at the end of last month. “Now he gets a start and, I already said previously, I’m confident he will score goals.”

Hojlund has so far lived up to that claim. The 20-year-old is under immense pressure to deliver at Old Trafford, and looks like the type of player who can meet those expectations. 

Onana and Casemiro expose familiar problems

It was another Champions League night to forget for Andre Onana. After his error-strewn display in the 4-3 defeat against Bayern, it was his pass that set Galatasaray onto a shock win. He tried to locate Casemiro but got his pass all wrong, with Casemiro ultimately bringing down an attacker. 

The Brazilian conceded a penalty and was shown a second yellow card for his challenge. He will miss the next European game against Copenhagen. 

Casemiro’s first yellow card – given for a high boot – was avoidable and left the perennially yellow-carded midfielder in trouble. The former Real Madrid star must improve his discipline – while Onana needs to cut out his errors. 

Zaha haunts United

Fewer goals will be visibly enjoyed more by the scoring player than Wilfried Zaha’s first-half equaliser. The former United winger got the better of Diogo Dalot, twisted and looped in an effort to cancel out Hojlund’s goal. 

The 30-year-old delightfully sprinted towards the Red Devils fans and cupped his ears before shouting: “Come on!” 

Zaha caused Dalot several issues on Galatasaray’s left-hand side and will feel liberated to perform so well against United in the Champions League. He insists he is not bothered by how disappointingly his United career panned out before his permanent return to Crystal Palace in January 2015 – but his celebration suggested otherwise. 

United’s shaky defence

Zaha’s goal was evidence of United’s poor defensive issues – a problem plaguing Ten Hag’s side. Galatasaray appeared likely to create a chance each time they went forward, with United struggling to deal with their pace on the counter-attack. 

Christian Eriksen’s half-time introduction gave United some solidity but better teams than Galatasaray will pick them apart. The back four ultimately proved to be United’s downfall, with Varane allowing a pass through his legs, with Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu sweeping an effort past Onana.

And it was Mauro Icardi who was allowed to race away moments after missing a spot-kick before lifting his effort over the United goalkeeper. United lost this game because of a woeful defensive display. 

Ten Hag’s Fernandes problem

Ten Hag must find a way of getting Bruno Fernandes into central areas. The absences of several forwards has forced the Dutchman into using his captain on the right – with Hannibal Mejbri in a No 10 position. 

But United are always at their best when Fernandes is central. Ten Hag must reshape his team to get his best creator into more potent positions.

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