Mike Phelan asks Man Utd stars four questions ahead of must-win Galatasaray tie

27 November 2023 , 22:30

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Mike Phelan asks Man Utd stars four questions ahead of must-win Galatasaray tie

Manchester United's big players have been told there will be nowhere to hide in Wednesday night's must-win Champions League tie at Galatasaray.

United must win in Istanbul to keep alive their last-16 hopes, with former assistant boss Mike Phelan calling on their established names to prove their worth. Erik ten Hag will be without the suspended Marcus Rashford, with other big-name players, including skipper Bruno Fernandes, under pressure to deliver in such a key game.

“On the pitch, it's what you do, not necessarily what Galatasaray do,” said Phelan. “What's your game plan? Can you execute your game plan? Have you got the confidence to go there to get the result that you need?

“Can your big players turn up? Because you need your big players. In big games and occasions, you need your big players.”

Phelan, who played in the infamous 'Welcome to Hell' game against Galatasaray 30 years ago, said United must seize control early on tomorrow.

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"I think you've got to control the game, because you can't control the atmosphere,” said Phelan. "You might be able to, in a little way, if your retention of the ball is good and you're not making mistakes. Then you control the game, control the ball and that can silence the crowd – just don't encourage the crowd.

Mike Phelan worked alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Man Utd (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

"Everything is a challenge when you're at Manchester United, particularly when you're back in the Champions League and you want to go to the next level, which is the next stage.

“So they have to perform. You've got to show that ambition and courage to win the game and then take it to the next one and the next one after that.

”If your mentality is good, your team work ethic is good and your performance stands out, then you'll get the result. But you have to earn it.”

David McDonnell