Ten Hag’s message lost as Man Utd suffer historic Champions League loss at home

Manchester United lost their first Champions League home game of the season as Galatasaray came back on two occasions and left as 3-2 winners at Old Trafford. Summer signing Rasmus Hojlund scored both goals for United as he enjoyed his best performance in a red shirt since moving from Atalanta, but was let down by their poor defence.

United’s season has gone from bad to worse after losing to Galatasaray at Old Trafford, and it’s the first win the Turkish team has ever managed on English soil.

The Red Devils continue to take one step forward but two steps back under manager Erik ten Hag and his players ignored a stern message he issued before kick off. United have spent more on players than most other teams in world football with over £1 billion has been spent in the past 10 years under the Glazer ownership, and there’s little to show for it.

Bruno Fernandes is an exception to their poor recruitment history, but Hojlund could be another player to stand out as he looks to lead United back to their former glory. The 20-year-old cost United £72million this summer, and showed the home fans what he could do on Tuesday.

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Hojlund headed United in front following a whipped cross from Marcus Rashford and ran all the way from the halfway line before scoring to restore their lead after Wilfried Zaha equalised. Muhammed Akturkogl then made it 2-2 following a slick Galatasaray move, and Mauro Icardi wrapped up a historic night for the visitors as he managed to break through a wide open defence and lift the ball over Andre Onana.

To rub salt in the wound his goal came minutes after missing a penalty – one that saw Casemiro sent off – and United initially assuming they’d got away with a major scare. But the former Inter Milan and PSG striker was unmarked and made amends for his error.

United continue to look disconnected from one another, with Rashford failing to discover his form from last season and many players not living up to their potential. Ten Hag was looking for a positive reaction on Tuesday night after United lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace at the weekend, and attempted to inspire his team.

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“We have also very good players. We know as a team we have to do better and also some individuals have to step up their level.” Ten Hag said to CBS before the game when being asked about his team selection. “I believe in these players and they have shown very high levels, and I’m sure they will return to those levels.”

Initially, it looked like his vision had paid off, as he also added: “We have to improve, and especially our game in the box.” It was inside the box that Rashford crossed to Hojlund for the opening goal, and the Danish striker created his own space in the area for his and United’s second.

But United’s lead in the game lasted a combined 10 minutes, as they continued to switch off when going ahead. They played with the arrogance that their lead would be enough and that Galatasaray wouldn’t pose a threat, but were humbled and sent another reminder that they’re far from where they think they are.

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