If Man Utd thought Goodison Park was unwelcoming, then hell awaits in Istanbul

Thirty years after an infamous night in Turkey, United must win to secure their Champions League destiny

TURKISH TALES: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag during a training session at the Trafford Training Centre. Pic: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

It is 30 years since Manchester United’s most famous trip to Istanbul with Champions League elimination on the line. Galatasaray created an unwelcome hell that Cerberus would have been proud of and a night of sin ended with Alex Ferguson’s side being dumped out of Europe.

United, realistically, required a win to progress after drawing 3‑3 in the first leg of the second‑round tie at Old Trafford but the atmosphere in Turkey subdued the visitors and the second leg stuttered to a goalless draw. Eric Cantona was sent off late on for his frustrations with the referee and the home team’s addiction to timewasting. There was a post-match melee in the tunnel involving the United squad and riot police as the trip ended like it began – with intimidation. Many of United’s team froze, unable to deal with the ferocious and vociferous atmosphere they faced.