Manchester United were stunned by Istanbul Basaksehir on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League at Basaksehir Fateh Terim Stadium.
It was one of the worst outings for Manchester United in recent times as they succumbed to a defeat against the newcomers in the Champions League. After being defeated twice in the Champions League, Istanbul Basaksehir beat the Red Devils 2-1, earning their first UCL win ever.
Though it was a great performance from the home side, it was the mistakes of the English outfit that the Turkish pounced on. With the Red Devils losing the game, the fans’ tolerance has gone beyond the limits. After a poor transfer window in the summer, the bad results in the English Premier League is hurting fans.
The fans were yet to overcome the defeat against Arsenal over the weekend past and before it could subside, a poor showing against Istanbul Basaksehir has dented the pride of the Old Trafford faithful. Some have taken shots at the manager whereas some are against the players who showed less to no intent.
The blame game has started
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With the defeat, the blame game has started. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer employed the diamond midfield once again to accommodate Donny van de Beek and Bruno Fernandes in the same lineup.
The partial blame has to be taken by the manager for fielding the knackered Marcus Rashford, who failed to get going against Rafael (ex-United player), who put in a great shift at right-back.
In simple words, Man United lacked a game-changer who could provide an equalizer (actually it should be the winner!!) on the pitch. For the above-mentioned issue, the Glazers, Ed Woodward and Matt Judge should all take the blame for not signing a quality player who can play on the right-wing.
The Man United players’ contributed equally to the defeat against Istanbul Basaksehir. The first goal which Manchester United conceded particularly showcased the lack of awareness. All the defenders were up near the opposition box, leaving Demba Ba alone at the halfway line and one-on-one with the keeper.
The second goal that the Red Devils’ conceded was much more ridiculous. Rather than marking the arriving players, the defenders marked each other, allowing Edin Visca to take a free shot on goal. The second goal went on to make life difficult for United in the second half.
It was also due to poor distribution by the skipper Harry Maguire, which delayed the attacking progress. Also, the strikers failed to make runs into empty spaces on the pitch. Fernandes’ lack of awareness on a crucial day made Manchester United pay against the Turkish opposition.
So who is to blame for this?
Everybody involved is to blame for the ongoing problems at the club. Ole for his team selection, probably getting his selection right once or twice this season. The team for not showing any determination.
The hierarchy as well, who are yet to show real purpose in the transfer market and acquire the right man for the job (a sporting director), players that fits the identity of the Old Trafford club, and players who actually want to be at the club.
A trip to Merseyside beckons ✊#MUFC #EVEMUN pic.twitter.com/hcWlfEYMHZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 5, 2020
The Old Trafford outfit are up against third-placed Everton away from home on the weekend in the Premier League before players go on international break. One more wrong result will put Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the brink of the sack.