Manchester United's aspirations in the Champions League took a severe hit as a tumultuous performance by goalkeeper Andre Onana blighted an otherwise dominant display against Galatasaray in Istanbul.
Despite taking a commanding two-goal lead through Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes within the first 18 minutes, defensive mistakes led the Turkish club back into the game.
Onana's struggles, particularly evident in failing to save Hakim Ziyech's free-kick, provided Galatasaray with crucial opportunities. Scott McTominay's goal in the second half briefly restored United's control, but another blunder from Onana gifted Ziyech his second goal via a free-kick, and a stunning volley from Kerem Akturkoglu leveled the score with 19 minutes remaining.
As the match went on, it became an end to end tale, Wilfried Zaha squandered a golden chance for Galatasaray, while Bruno Fernandes' attempt struck the post. With Erik ten Hag's United now languishing at the bottom of Group A, their Champions League fate hinges on the outcome of their final clash at home against Bayern Munich, coupled with the result between Galatasaray and Copenhagen in the upcoming fixture.
The night in Istanbul served as a stark reminder of the fine margins that define success in European competition, leaving United with a precarious path to the knockout phase.
Bruno Fernandes - 'We were not clinical enough'
After the match, United captain Fernandes criticised certain instances of selfish gameplay and defensive lapses. He said as BBC Sport quoted: "It's really hard. We conceded really bad goals. We have to take control of the situations in all of them. We were on top of the game twice and we had far too many chances to have the game closed. We were not clinical enough.
"I have nothing to explain. We concede the two goals and there's nothing we can do now. Obviously we could have done better with those two goals but it is what it is.
"Every time we conceded a goal we had many chances to score again. At the end of the game we had four chances. We have to lift our heads up and try to get the best players in the best positions and not take chances ourselves. We need to put the team first. It was mistakes by ourselves on the goals we conceded.
"It's too hard to be honest, I don't want to be too negative. But what we have been doing in the Champions League is not enough. It is not the first game we've had like this. We have to secure the result.
"We have to understand in these types of games and stages we have to be smart enough and manage the game better. Everyone has to step up and take responsibility of their own mistakes. Now we don't depend on ourselves but it is what it is."
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