Aditya Bose
Okan Buruk states that Galatasaray will try to exploit Manchester United at left-back in the UEFA Champions League clash
According to the Manchester Evening News, Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk has revealed that he will make an effort to expose Manchester United at the left-back position in the Champions League clash at Old Trafford.
Galatasaray has had an undefeated start to the season and they even pulled off an incredible comeback to draw against FC Copenhagen in their first Champions League group matchup. United, on the other hand, suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of the German champions- Bayern Munich.
Both teams now face off at Old Trafford, knowing full well that a loss will make life very difficult when it comes to qualification for the knockouts. Speaking ahead of the match, Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk said:
“We worked out our plan for the match there. We have our thoughts based on the pros and cons of the opponent. Our opponent does not have an original left-back. We do not know what they will use there. It is our own game. We made a plan based on our team and our players. We will try to implement it on the field.”
United are without Lisandro Martinez at the back due to injury. Now, the major concern with the squad is that they are without Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Aaron Wan Bissaka along with our new signing Sergio Reguilon who covers the full-back position.
This is a pressing issue as Diogo Dalot is the only designated fullback available for the clash. Sofyan Amrabat has been used as a full-back once this campaign but it is far from where he usually shines bright. Buruk implied that he would like to take advantage of this region of the pitch.
Wilfred Zaha is a brilliant striker and he has scored thrice against United when he played for his former side Crystal Palace. Hopefully, he will have an off day on his return to Old Trafford, a place he briefly called home under David Moyes.
On the other hand, Hakim Ziyach shall be covering the attacking right-wing position for the visiting team. He already has one goal and one assist and is adapting well to life in Turkey. A different player when full of confidence, the Moroccan will need to be kept quiet.
Erik ten Hag is aware of the threat he poses having trained him while at Ajax Amsterdam. It remains to be seen if the Red Devils will make use of Amrabat to nullify Ziyech’s impact on the night. With the Galatasaray boss so forthcoming with his plans, surely Ten Hag will have a trick up his sleeve.
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It will now be interesting to observe how United responds to this circumstance and secures those vital three points to advance in this illustrious competition. Anything less than a win will surely set off alarm bells at the Theatre of Dreams.
