The Red Devils threw away a two-goal lead in Istanbul on Wednesday (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United are now reliant on results elsewhere after drawing with Galatasaray, with Copenhagen’s spirited draw away at Bayern Munich hampering their chances of qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League.
The Red Devils took an early two-goal lead in Wednesday night’s early kick-off in Istanbul, with Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes netting two brilliant goals.
Gala were given a route back into the match when Andre Onana was deceived by a tame free-kick from Hakim Ziyech, but Scott McTominay restored United’s two-goal advantage in the second half.
The visitors were undone by another free-kick not long after, with Onana again at fault as Ziyech’s effort squirmed under him, before Kerem Akturkoglu rifled a thunderous effort in to secure a 3-3 draw.
Although an ultimately disappointing night for United, it did still keep their hopes of making the knockout stages alive ahead of Copenhagen’s clash with Bayern.
That match kicked off later on Wednesday evening, with the German champions having already secured their place in the last 16 as group winners after four straight victories.
Nevertheless, with a formidable home record to continue – and, indeed, having won their last 17 group games in a row – Thomas Tuchel opted to name a strong team with Harry Kane leading the line.
Bayern looked well off the pace as they drew 0-0 with Copenhagen (Picture: Getty)
Bayern dominated possession and territory but only mustered two shots on target, showing little real threat up top, and Copenhagen very nearly snatched three points at the death.
A goal-mouth scramble from a late corner required a stunning double save from the recently returned Manuel Neuer, with the ball very nearly crossing the line before the veteran German pawed it away.
It looked like Bayern had earned a late penalty for handball, but referee Stephanie Frappart was referred to the monitor and reversed her decision.
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The draw sees Copenhagen end Bayern’s astonishing winning run at the Allianz Arena and move up to second place in the table on goal difference, with both the Danes and Galatasaray level on five points.
United are bottom on four points and are now reliant on results elsewhere in order to qualify for the last 16.
Not only do they need to beat Bayern Munich at Old Trafford next month, but the only result that will see them progress is if Copenhagen and Galatasaray draw in matchday six’s other game.
That would leave the two sides on six points, with victory taking United to seven points. A victory for either Copenhagen or Gala would see them move to eight points and ensure their progress at the expense of United.
The good news for United is that either a win or a draw will likely be enough to secure third place and thus participation in the Europa League knockout stages next year, though they would have to play in the dreaded play-off round.
MORE : Erik ten Hag slams Man Utd players after Champions League slip-up at Galatasaray
MORE : Peter Schmeichel criticises Manchester United sub for ‘not doing anything’ in Galatasaray draw
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The Red Devils threw away a two-goal lead in Istanbul on Wednesday.