29 November 2023 , 20:12
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Manchester United wore red shorts for the first time in 66 years for their pivotal Champions League meeting with Galatasaray on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils headed to Turkey knowing that only a win would do after losing three of their previous four matches in Group A this term. But while Erik ten Hag's side have struggled in Europe this term, they did break a record after changing up their appearance on the night.
United donned red shorts to avoid a kit clash with their hosts, who were decked out in their famous red and yellow colours. Red shorts were a staple of the club during the Busby Babes era but, prior to Wednesday, had not been worn by United since 1957.
Given United's poor record in Istanbul, Ten Hag's side needed to make more history if they were to realistically stand any chance of qualifying for the Champions League knockout phase.
Manchester United had failed to win away at Galatasaray in their three previous attempts, failing to score in all of those match. It had seemed, though, as that rotten run would finally be put to bed by United's current crop after Alejandro Garnacho broke the deadlock in style after just 11 minutes.
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Club captain Bruno Fernandes doubled that advantage soon after, but Hakim Ziyech halved Galatasaray's deficit before the break. He scored again, too, after Scott McTominay added a third for United to nudge them back into the ascendancy.
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Manchester United wore red shorts for the first time in 66 years against Galatasary (ANP)There would be further drama, though, as Kerem Akturkoglu struck to level the match. Fernandes was denied by the post and substitute Facundo Pellstri was denied by Fernando Muslera from point-blank range as United desperately chased a winner.
But a fourth goal failed to arrive, leaving United on the brink of elimination from the Champions League before Christmas - something which is only likely to increase the pressure on Ten Hag.
The Dutchman has overseen the club's worst ever start in the Premier League era but is still believed to retain the support of key figures in the club hierarchy, including Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is set to become a minority stakeholder in his boyhood club.
Despite their struggles in Europe, United's form has, thankfully, picked up in the league. Ten Hag has guided his side to three successive victories ahead of this weekend's trip to Newcastle.