Manchester United Faces Crucial Champions League Clash with Galatasaray Amidst Premier League Struggles
Manchester United’s season hit a stumbling block last weekend when they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, a team they had recently beaten 3-0. The result has raised concerns, with Erik ten Hag feeling the pressure as his team has won only three of their first seven Premier League matches.
As the Champions League takes the spotlight this week, United is set to host Galatasaray at Old Trafford, and securing three points is imperative, especially if they aim to progress from their group.
Given recent lackluster performances from several players, including summer signing Rasmus Hojlund, Ten Hag may consider shaking up his starting XI for the upcoming match.
Rasmus Hojlund’s Recent Performance Against Crystal Palace
The young Danish player has struggled to find his rhythm at Manchester United, posting an average Sofascore rating of 6.45 across four Premier League matches. He has managed just 0.5 shots on target per game and missed four significant scoring opportunities.
While Hojlund did score against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, his recent performance against Crystal Palace left much to be desired. He attempted three shots during the game but failed to find the net. He won only three of his seven ground duels and had just 25 touches of the ball, indicating his struggle to influence the match.
Facing a different challenge against Galatasaray, Ten Hag might consider starting Anthony Martial and relegating Hojlund to the bench to see if this change yields positive results.
The Case for Starting Anthony Martial Against Galatasaray
Although Anthony Martial has faced high expectations since arriving in Manchester in 2015, he remains a viable option for Ten Hag this season. Despite limited starts in the league (just two), he has shown promise in his limited playing time.
Martial has averaged one key pass per game, successfully completed 50% of his dribble attempts, and won 71% of his ground duels per game. These statistics highlight his physical presence and potential contributions.
In a recent match against Bayern Munich, Martial provided an assist in just nine minutes on the pitch, demonstrating his ability to make an impact. He created a key chance and showcased his goal-scoring potential.
Paul Scholes praised Martial, emphasizing his talent and calling for consistent performances. Martial’s ability to provide goals could be vital for Ten Hag’s team, making him a compelling option for the upcoming European clash against Galatasaray.
While Hojlund may represent the future of Manchester United, the team’s immediate need for goals may warrant giving Martial the opportunity to shine tonight.