Manchester United’s Champions League campaign has not gone as planned, as they find themselves in a precarious position with only two games left in the group stage. Drawn into Group A with Bayern Munich, Galatasaray, and Copenhagen, the Red Devils were expected to compete for the top spot against the German Bundesliga team. However, they currently sit at the bottom of the standings with just one win in four games, making it an uphill battle for them to progress to the knockout stages.
Mauro Icardi – Galatasaray
Galatasaray’s Mauro Icardi has been a fantastic addition to the team, scoring 22 goals in 24 games last season and helping them win the Super Lig for the first time since 2019. This season, he has continued his fine form with 15 goals in 20 games across all competitions. Icardi has already scored twice in the group stage, finding the net against both Manchester United and Bayern Munich. If Galatasaray wants to cause an upset, the 30-year-old Argentine will play a crucial role.
Rasmus Hojlund – Manchester United
Rasmus Hojlund’s availability for this crucial match is uncertain due to a muscle strain he suffered before the recent international break. However, given his importance to Manchester United in the Champions League so far, the club’s rehabilitation team will do everything possible to have him ready. Hojlund is currently the joint-top scorer in the competition with five goals in four games, including a brace in their 3-2 loss to Galatasaray in October. With Marcus Rashford suspended, Hojlund’s presence becomes even more vital for the Red Devils.
Wilfried Zaha – Galatasaray
Former Manchester United winger Wilfried Zaha will be eager to make an impact against his former club once again. He scored in Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory at Old Trafford and could find the back of the net again. Zaha also provided an assist in the 2-2 draw against Copenhagen in the group stages. However, he struggled to make an impact in the defeats to Bayern Munich. Nevertheless, Zaha remains a threat that Manchester United should be wary of.
Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes has been a key player for Manchester United, although his goal-scoring output has decreased compared to previous seasons. There are rumors of a potential transfer to Saudi Arabia, but for now, he remains an important part of the team’s midfield. With numerous injuries and absences, Fernandes will be relied upon to drive the team forward from the middle of the park. He provided an assist in the 4-3 loss to Bayern and scored from the penalty spot in the recent 4-3 defeat to Copenhagen.