Galatasaray vs. Manchester United: Match Preview- 20/11/12

VENUE: Turk Telekom Arena, Istanbul.

KO TIME: 19.45 GMT (1.15 am IST)

                The Turkish side welcome EPL giants Manchester United on Tuesday in their next Champions League Group H fixture. Galatasaray need all three points to keep their qualification hopes alive. They have four points from games and are on the third place now.

                Both the sides play each other after losing to average teams. Galatasaray lost to Karabukspor and United lost to Norwich at the weekend. United won 1-0 at Old Trafford when the two sides met in the first leg with Michael Carrick scoring the lone goal.

TEAM FORM:

Galatasaray: LDWWW
Galatasaray 1-3 Kardemir Karabuk
Mersin Idam Yurdu 1-1 Galatasaray

CFR Cluj 1-3 Galatasaray

Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyespor 1-2 Galatasaray

Galatasaray 3-0 Kayserispor

Manchester United: LWWWL

Norwich City 1-0 Manchester United

Aston Villa 2-3 Manchester United

Braga 1-3 Manchester United

Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal

Chelsea 5-4 Manchester United

TEAM NEWS:

Galatasaray: Sabri Sarioglu is not fit for the match. Johan Elmander might be on the bench after making a comeback on the weekend after a thigh problem.

Manchester United: Nemanja Vidic and Luis Nani are both not available for the game with Knee and Hamstring injuries respectively. Phil Jones might start who was named on the bench against Norwich. Wayne Rooney, who missed the action against the Canaries, could probably start.

PREVIOUS MEETING:

Manchester United 1-0 Galatasaray

                Manchester United won 1-0 at Old Trafford when the two sides met earlier, thanks to Michael Carrick’s goal.

                The two sides last met in Turkey in the year 1993, when Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were eliminated from the competition after a 0-0 draw. The match saw the home fans bringing ‘Welcome to Hell’ banners. The match will always be remembered.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

Galatasaray: Muslera; Eboue, Cris, Nounkeu, Balta; Altintop, Inan, Melo; Bulut¸ Yilmaz, Amrabat.

Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael, Smalling, Jones, Buttner; Anderson, Carrick, Cleverley; Rooney, Hernandez, Welbeck.

PREDICTION:

                It will be difficult for Manchester United to win the game easily looking at their Defensive crisis. Wayne Rooney’s return will be a huge boost for The Reds.

PICK: Galatasaray 1-2 Manchester United

MATCH FACTS:

·         Four of Manchester United’s nine goals in the group have come in the last 15 minutes of matches.

·         Galatasaray have scored four goals in the Champions League so far in this season. All goals scored by Yilmaz.

·         The last time Manchester United faced Galatasaray in Turkey in 1993, Sir Alex’s side crashed out of the competition after a goalless draw.

·         United have secured the top spot of Group H after winning all four of their matches.

MAN TO WATCH:

Galatasaray: Burak Yilmaz

Manchester United: Javier Hernandez

Chris Smalling Returns!

Chris Smalling feels that the lights going out during yesterday's match actually switched the team on.

 

He said: "Yes, I think it did in a way. Especially after their goal. We knew we really had to pick ourselves up.

"We had a lot of the ball but we weren't really getting anywhere. So yes, it really helped us."

On Van Persie: "He [Van Persie] is a person who only needs one chance," Smalling said. "That was crucial and he's proved that all season so far, and long may it continue.

On Rooney: "He [Rooney] is one of those who wants to put himself back in the firing line. I think he showed he's got the courage. You never have to doubt him really from the penalty spot."

On his return: "It's been so long and it's been frustrating watching from the sidelines. But it's good to be able to come in and come back with a win as well so I'm feeling happy."

5 Managers Who Could Replace Sir Alex at Manchester United

                There were rumours some weeks ago that Sir Alex is ready to retire at the end of the 2012/13 season. Manchester United then revealed that plans for Sir Alex Ferguson’s replacement have already been discussed and locked in drawer at Old Trafford.

                The United vice-chairman Ed Woodward claimed that the date when the Scot will end his reign is not yet decided but the list for his replacement is only known by selective people at Old Trafford.

He said: “We have a view as to what the process [appointing a new manager] will look like in terms of finding a replacement and what type of manager we want and how and when we’ll go about it. But it’s in the drawer and long may it stay in the drawer.”

The Scot celebrated his 26 glorious years at Old Trafford this week. The 70 year old earlier this year said: “I don’t know how long I can last now but if my health stays up I don’t think another two or three years would harm me any”

One thing is sure that the Scot will be difficult to follow for anyone who gets the job. Now lets take a look at the Top Five candidates who are likely for the job and have the qualities to replace the great Sir Alex:

5. Alan Pardew

                It would be awesome if an English manager replaces Sir Alex. Pardew has impressed a lot at Newcastle United as a Manager. His success as a manger has been too good. He guided The Magpies to European Football for their first time after they returned to the

the Premier League.

                He was also the manager who promoted Reading and West Ham. His lack of managing at top level would go against him but he could be quite good as well.

4. David Moyes

                Moyes has done miracles with Everton in a limited budget. Bringing the best out of the squad has been his best ability. Sir Alex and Moyes appear to be made up of the same soils that have huge respect for the players.

                The only drawback is the lack of experience at a top club. If United want a man for a Long Term at Old Trafford, Moyes is the man, who has proved that at Everton.

3. Jose Mourinho

                Many people would like to see The Special One replacing Sir Alex at Old Trafford. Both the managers have huge respect for each other. His personality is perfect for the job. The Portuguese would be the one if Sir Alex had to choose.

                Looking at the clashes going on in Madrid, Jose would probably leave the job. His tactics are different from that of Manchester United but he has performed well at Madrid who have the same heritage as that of United.

2. Pep Guardiola

                Guardiola would perfectly fit in Sir Alex’ boots if he retires at the end of this Season. Pep is back after a break and is ready to take over a team after ending his reign at Barcelona after four years last season.

                Chelsea and Manchester City are also trying to get Pep for the job. Recently there were rumours that Sir Alex met Pep in the United States of America to talk with him for the United job.

1. Ole Gunnar Solskjær

The Baby faced assassin would be the best replacement for Sir Alex when he retires. He was much loved as player at Old Trafford. His goal in the injury time helped United win the Champions League in 1999.

The Molde manager might have only one year experience as a manager, but he knows how the United system works as he was the coach of the reserves for 3 odd years. If Sir Alex extends his career for few more years, Ole would be perfect!