Aditya Bose
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praises Hakim Ziyech for his two wonderfully crafted free-kick goals
According to the Metro, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has praised his former Ajax player Hakim Ziyech for scoring two remarkable free-kick goals against United, securing a 3-3 draw in their Champions League fixture.
Erik ten Hag said after the game:
“But, I have to say, that is Hakim. His brilliance, I know that. In such zones he is extraordinary. To give such free-kicks [to him] is very difficult to defend as well.”
Manchester United’s crucial mission in Istanbul was to win and keep their knockout stage hopes alive in the Champions League. This was vital as they had lost three of their four Group A games. However, United’s performance was again marred by errors, and goalkeeper Andre Onana committed another crucial mistake.
Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes shone brightly by scoring, temporarily silencing the spirited crowd. Galatasaray found a way back into the game when Ziyech’s free-kick, not particularly powerful, surprisingly caught Onana off-balance as he incorrectly moved to his left.
Ziyech’s tenure at Ajax under Ten Hag was marked by success. Memorable was his extraordinary free-kick goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, which sent ripples through the competition and eliminated the favourites.
Ziyech’s second free-kick, similar to his first, was conceded by Fernandes. The ball found the net due to another glaring error by Onana, who failed to make contact at a crucial moment.
Galatasaray’s third goal, scored by Kerem Akturkoglu, was impressively powerful and fast, leaving little fault at Onana’s feet. Ten Hag admitted that his team could have better controlled the game, as they let a two-goal lead slip in their 3-3 draw against Galatasaray.
To progress, Manchester United must win against Bayern at Old Trafford and hope for a draw in the Copenhagen vs Galatasaray match.
More Manchester United News-
- Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes emphasises the need to protect young players from criticism
- Manchester United are keen to beat Real Madrid to the signing of Estavao Willian
- Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag defends away form in Europe before the must-win Champions League game against Galatasaray
If either team wins in the Copenhagen vs Galatasaray match, they will progress to the last 16. If United fails to beat Bayern and the other match ends in a draw, Copenhagen will advance. United now faces the challenge of beating Bayern at home while hoping for a draw in the other game.
