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European stumble shows there are two sides to Manchester United – and neither is working
European stumble shows there are two sides to Manchester United – and neither is working
From hell to purgatory. Manchester United are left in limbo about their European future this season, after a game at Galatasaray where both sides left everything on the pitch. Andre Onana, however, let two free-kicks in. There was still more to an utterly thrilling 3-3 draw than that, as United lost a lead for the fifth time in five Champions League group games. This was also the second by two goals. That should torment Erik ten Hag, even as it would have delighted anyone else watching on. This was so much more entertaining than the divinely perfect football we’ve come to expect from the competition’s best level and there is, of course, a lesson in that. This might have been the way to put on a show. It isn’t the way to go about an away game in the Champions League. There should be an even greater aggravation to that for Ten Hag, though. So much of United’s attacking play looked like what you would consider his ideal. It was a long-awaited reminder of last season’s best form, particularly Scott McTominay’s counter-attacking finish that should have won it. It was all there. There was connection combined with emphatic force, as was seen with Alejandro Garnacho’s glorious strike for the first after that exquisite little through ball. There was pure individual inspiration, as seen with Bruno Fernandes’ blockbuster. There was then incision at pace, as they cut through Galatasaray for McTominay to slide in. This is the way United should be playing. The great question for Ten Hag, that is directly connected to the quandary of how they keep losing leads, is whether they can only play that way by going so open? It is some way removed from Pep Guardiola’s suffocation through possession. It is even further away from so many of United’s drab league games. There, there’s been a more dour resilience, where performance has actually obscured relatively acceptable form. This still shouldn’t be acceptable, though. United just shouldn’t be in this position. That could have been said before this game, but this made it much worse. It’s like there’s no in-between. It’s either “control” to the point of boredom or abandon to the point of this chaos. Galatasaray of course contributed. They were often as good in attack, and just as porous at the back. The number of chances they were willing to just offer up late on. It’s incredible they still came out with a draw. For that, they can look to United’s goalkeeper. One Hakim Ziyech free-kick like that would have been bad enough. Two might well be a season destroyer. It will be all the worse given he had recovered. There hadn’t really been a major error since the supposed turning point of the penalty save against Copenhagen. It was just another twist in this group stage. The one excuse that might be made for Onana is that the conditions made it especially difficult, particularly in situations like those free-kicks. It was also like a player as clever as Ziyech knew that. He went for it. Again, there was more to it than that. Like Galatasaray at the other end, United gave up so many chances that any two or three of a number of efforts could have ended up as goals. Kerem Akturkoglu's brilliant sweeping strike was one. That could have happened many times over. The chaos reduced the match to an element of blind luck – especially late on. That last proper move United had, where the ball ricocheted around Fernando Muslera’s goal, summed it up. It could have gone anywhere. As it is, United are going out. It should never have come to that. There are questions for Ten Hag there, beyond his choice of goalkeeper. How are they this erratic after a year and a half? How is it they have found a relatively forgiving group so punishing? How can translate some of this attacking to the league, without bringing that mayhem at the back? This is what United need to look to, other than a miracle. Hell, as Galatasaray still attempted to style their new Rams Park, wasn’t the place for that. Read More Arsenal through to last 16 as Manchester United squander lead again Erik ten Hag says Manchester United ‘have to learn’ from Galatasaray draw Man United suffer heavy Champions League blow in Galatasaray thriller Champions League: What do Man United, Arsenal and Newcastle need to reach last 16? Man United’s teen sensation who could offer salvation - and it’s not Garnacho Why Bruno Fernandes is the only choice as Man Utd captain
2023-11-30 15:31
'Stop Cop City' petition campaign in limbo as Atlanta officials refuse to process signatures
'Stop Cop City' petition campaign in limbo as Atlanta officials refuse to process signatures
Officials from the City of Atlanta have refused to verify tens of thousands of signatures submitted by activists who have been trying for two years to stop the construction of a police and firefighter training center
2023-09-12 02:36
US court refuses FTC request to pause Microsoft deal for Activision
US court refuses FTC request to pause Microsoft deal for Activision
WASHINGTON A U.S. federal court rejected the Federal Trade Commission's request that it order Microsoft to temporarily hold
2023-07-14 08:28
Crypto Platform JPEX Shuts Down Trading Amid Hong Kong Probe
Crypto Platform JPEX Shuts Down Trading Amid Hong Kong Probe
Cryptocurrency platform JPEX shut down some trading during an ongoing investigation by the Hong Kong police. Users won’t
2023-09-18 10:05
Bahamas court boosts Bankman-Fried's challenge to post-extradition charges
Bahamas court boosts Bankman-Fried's challenge to post-extradition charges
By Luc Cohen NEW YORK (Reuters) -A Bahamas court on Tuesday temporarily barred the country's government from agreeing to let
2023-06-14 05:46
Atlanta Braves acquire veteran infielder Nicky Lopez in a trade with the Kansas City Royals
Atlanta Braves acquire veteran infielder Nicky Lopez in a trade with the Kansas City Royals
The Atlanta Braves have added veteran infielder Nicky Lopez in a trade with the Kansas City Royals
2023-07-31 07:07
Cardinals slug 7 HRs at home for 1st time in 83 years, pound out 16-8 win over Dodgers
Cardinals slug 7 HRs at home for 1st time in 83 years, pound out 16-8 win over Dodgers
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Willson Contreras hit two three-run homers, Nolan Gorman also homered twice and the St. Louis Cardinals went deep seven times in a home game for the first time in 83 years, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 16-8 in a slugfest Thursday night.
2023-05-19 11:23
K-Pop star Rose joins first lady Jill Biden to talk mental health
K-Pop star Rose joins first lady Jill Biden to talk mental health
K-pop superstar Rose has joined U.S. first lady Jill Biden at a mental health event to talk about how even famous people grapple with emotional struggles
2023-11-18 05:21
Religion: Welsh 99-year-old hopes to keep US church alive
Religion: Welsh 99-year-old hopes to keep US church alive
Bryn Seion church was built in Oregon in 1884 and Betty Pierce has been going since 1969.
2023-06-03 18:53
What is plural monogamy? Kody Brown explains why his polygamous family fell apart as 'Sister Wives' feud amid divorce
What is plural monogamy? Kody Brown explains why his polygamous family fell apart as 'Sister Wives' feud amid divorce
Kody Brown says he needs to 'figure out plural monogamy' because he no longer can function as true polygamist
2023-09-25 11:02
'The View' host Ana Navarro defends her 'below the belt' dig at Florida Gov Ron DeSantis' wife Casey DeSantis
'The View' host Ana Navarro defends her 'below the belt' dig at Florida Gov Ron DeSantis' wife Casey DeSantis
Internet rushes to support Ana Navarro as she defends her comment against Ron DeSantis' 'Stepford wife' Casey DeSantis
2023-10-05 10:24
Hollywood strike: Which shows will return after end of writers' strike?
Hollywood strike: Which shows will return after end of writers' strike?
A tentative deal between writers and studios means some favorites could return soon.
2023-09-25 23:47