Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on the touchline
Manchester United will look to put their failure in last season’s UEFA Champions League to bed when they host Turkish giants Galatasaray at Old Trafford on Wednesday, kick-off 20h45 CAT.
The Red Devils struggled in Europe last season, failing to progress from what looked a relatively easy group in the UEFA Champions League before being demoted to the Europa League, where they were eventually outclassed by Athletic Bilbao.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his side were “a bit careless” in Europe last season and is looking forward to the atmosphere Old Trafford will provide when Gala come to town.
“Our fans don’t need reminding about Galatasaray,” he told MUTV.
“I remember our first game there [1993], when we arrived at the airport and there were all these banners, ‘Welcome to Hell’.
“Eric Cantona was sent off. Bryan Robson was hit by a policemen’s truncheon. It was a nightmare.
“The one good thing about that game is that the atmosphere will be fantastic. The fans will be in the stadium from lunchtime, shouting, singing and bawling. They make such a racket.”
Ferguson added, “You always have to respect your opponents in this situation,” he said.
“Last year we were a bit careless with the group.
“It looked easy but didn’t turn out that way so there will be no complacency this time. I will play my best team to make sure we qualify.”
United will in all likelihood welcome back Shinji Kagawa, Tom Cleverley and Robin van Persie to the starting XI after the trio were excluded from the starting XI that defeated Wigan 4-0 on the weekend.
Gala, who also won 4-0 in a league match on the weekend, are coached by former Turkish national team and AC Milan manager Fatih Terim and can call on players of the class of Milan Baros, Cris, Johan Elmander and former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue.