Return to ‘Hell’ holds no fear for United

Manchester United dodged a Galatasaray welcome committee in Istanbul last night — but Alex Ferguson insists a return to ‘Hell’ poses no problems.

It is 19 years since Ferguson led his newly-crowned English champions into the cauldron of the Ali Sami Yen stadium and ended up crashing out of Europe amid chaotic scenes.

Galatasaray have swapped stadiums since — to the plush Turk Telecom Arena — but their supporters remain some of the most fanatical in Europe.

They turned out in vast numbers to await United’s arrival last night, only to discover Ferguson and his players had exited through a separate terminal.

There will be no escape tonight as the Red Devils look to defend their 100% record in this season’s competition. And Ferguson cannot wait.

“We didn’t get the greeting by the fans (this time) — we dodged that,” said the United boss.

“In 1993 when we came here it was incredible. It was something new and quite frightening.

“But we’ve been here a few times since and we’re getting used to the Turkish fanaticism and enthusiasm.

“It’s no issue for us.”

With almost all his most experienced players — including Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney — remaining behind in Manchester, Darren Fletcher is likely to captain the visitors.

Ferguson also confirmed Shinji Kagawa faces at least another four weeks on the sidelines.

The Manchester United midfielder has been absent since suffering a knee injury against Braga at Old Trafford last month.

Ferguson has vowed to play an experienced team, even though United have already booked their place in the last 16 as group winners.

However, the United boss indicated he is ready to hand a first start to 18-year-old midfielder Nick Powell, a summer arrival from Crewe.

Ferguson said: “It will be a big day for him but he has the temperament, which is important.”

For his part, Galatasaray winger Nordin Amrabat wants his team-mates to follow Norwich’s example and take a massive step towards claiming a place in the Champions League knockout stage by beating United tonight.

Whilst United have already secured top spot in the group, the second qualifying place is up for grabs.

Galatasaray currently hold it, courtesy of the four points they collected in back-to-back meetings with Romanian champions CFR Cluj.

But now they need to beat Ferguson’s men.

And Amrabat feels Norwich showed the way at Carrow Road on Saturday.

“If Norwich can beat them, so can we,” said the winger.