Erik ten Hag urges his Man United players to keep their composure

11/28/2023 Soccer

Erik ten Hag urges his Man United players to keep their composure in one of the hottest atmospheres in world football… as the Red Devils prepare for do-or-die Champions League clash with Galatasaray

  • Erik ten Hag is expecting Man United to encounter a hostile atmosphere
  • He has urged his players to keep their cool against Galatasaray on Wednesday
  • Pressure is easing on Man United boss Erik ten Hag: Listen to It’s All Kicking Off

Erik ten Hag has warned his Manchester United players to keep cool heads and stay out of trouble in the Rams Stadium cauldron on Wednesday evening.

United will face one of the hottest atmospheres in world football when they take on Galatasaray with their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.

Ten Hag’s side have not coped well with pressure in Group A this season, collapsing to 4-3 defeats against Bayern Munich and FC Copenhagen, and 3-2 to the Turks at Old Trafford.

It does not augur well for the trip to Istanbul where United have failed to even score in three previous games here against Galatasaray.

Ten Hag believes the key lies in United’s ability to keep their composure in the face of provocation from the home team and extreme hostility from their fans.

Erik ten Hag wants his Man United players to keep their cool under pressure on Wednesday

Galatasaray fans are known for creating one of the hottest atmospheres in world football

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‘Absolutely, you have to stay calm in your head and don’t get too emotional,’ said the United boss. ‘Control emotion, don’t give them anything. The referee as well — don’t give them a moment they can take.

‘So you have to stay away from such moments. You have to make it your game. It is not that important how the opponent is playing, it is how we are playing.

‘We have had some very hostile games away from home and played very well, calm and composed. Manchester United has a great history. We have to make it our game.’

The Rams Stadium will be packed to its 52,000 capacity with tickets selling for seven times their face value. United faced a hot reception at Goodison Park on Sunday, and will do so again at Newcastle this weekend, but Galatasaray are on another level. 

‘I think when you are a kid you want to play in these kind of atmospheres,’ said captain Bruno Fernandes. ‘You know that Galatasaray away is going to be great, an amazing atmosphere. As a player, I love playing these games. I know it’s going to come against you, but it has to be a big boost playing in stadiums with a crowd like that.’

Ten Hag was asked if he would risk playing Kobbie Mainoo in such a hostile atmosphere after the teenager had a fine Premier League debut at Everton.

Ten Hag has no concerns about playing Kobbie Mainoo after he shone on his first Premier League star against Everton on Sunday

Ten Hag has a decision over whether to start Rasmus Hojlund following his return from injury

‘No, we don’t have fear,’ he replied. ‘If players are good enough they are old enough.’

The other key selection decision is whether to start Rasmus Hojlund on his return from injury after the Dane and Antony were included in the travelling squad. Hojlund is the joint top scorer in the competition coming into this round of games, but Anthony Martial was on target against Everton and won a penalty.

Realistically, United have to win to salvage their hopes of reaching the knockout stage, although a draw would take it to the final game against Bayern if the Germans beat Copenhagen tonight. ‘The feeling is that we have to win both games to hope to go through,’ added Fernandes. ‘We want to be in the middle of the best clubs in Europe. It is disappointing if we don’t go through.’

History favours the Turks. At their press conference, coach Okan Buruk sat with veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Buruk was in charge of Istanbul Basaksehir when they stunned United here in November 2020, and Muslera played in a famous Galatasaray win 11 years ago. Asked if the atmosphere could be a decisive factor, the Galatasaray captain grinned at his inquisitor. ‘You’ve never been here before? Enjoy it!’

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