Christian Eriksen describes a tense dressing room scenario following Manchester United’s Champions League defeat against Galatasaray.
Christian Eriksen painted a bleak image for Manchester United fans following the club’s sixth defeat of the season on Tuesday night at home to Galatasaray.
Erik ten Hag’s side were undone by Mauro Icardi’s 81st-minute winner after twice seizing the lead only to be pegged back on each side of half-time, first by former United misfit Wilfried Zaha and then by an equalizer from Kerem Akturkoglu.
Just three minutes earlier, the former PSG and Inter striker had missed a penalty, dragging his ball wide after Andre Onana’s second error in as many Champions League games. In a frantic and fruitless attempt to save Onana’s blushes, Casemiro scythed down Dries Mertens, collecting his second yellow card of the night and the third dismissal of his United career.
With the score tied at 1-1, Ten Hag called Eriksen off the bench. Initially, the Dane assisted United in taking control of the game, setting up Marcus Rashford for a wonderful breakaway opportunity before Hojlund scored his second of the night in the 67th minute.
Eriksen, like the rest of his teammates, was unable to withstand Galatasaray’s tenacious retaliation. Eriksen told TNT Sports after a troubling evening, “It’s a big disappointment.” The dressing room was unusually silent. I believe we used some effective spells during the game.
“No, I don’t think it’s a matter of confidence.” It’s a lack of awareness and sharpness, as well as making bad decisions at bad times. There is a lot that needs to be done. It’s all in the details. We don’t yield as much if we don’t make mistakes.
“Luckily it’s only the start of the competition and we know there are a lot of games to play.”
United are bottom of Group A after two defeats in as many European games, including a 4-3 loss to Bayern Munich a fortnight ago.
Bayern recovered from a scare against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday to win 2-1 and top the group at this early stage of the competition. Galatasaray are second with four points, while Copenhagen have one – one more than United.
Ten Hag’s team plays Brentford, a team who destroyed them 4-0 last season, on Saturday before the October international break. United will play FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford on Tuesday, October 24 in search of their first European point of the season.
