Man United vs Galatasaray prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for Champions League match
Manchester United return to Champions League action at Old Trafford after their 2023/24 season took another unhelpful early turn.
Crystal Palace handed Erik ten Hag's side their fourth defeat in seven Premier League games, while United were also second-best when they travelled to Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener.
They can ill afford another slip-up when old foes Galatasaray arrive in Manchester.
The Turkish giants sparred with United in the Champions League during the 1990s, famously knocking them out in the preliminary rounds in 1993/94 when current head coach Okan Buruk was a player.
Man United vs Galatasaray match facts
- Date: Tuesday, October 3, 2023
- Kickoff Time: 8:00 p.m. local (3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT)
- Location: Old Trafford (Manchester, England)
- Official: Ivan Kružliak (SVK)
- Last meeting: Galatasaray 1-0 Manchester United (Nov. 20, 2013 | Champions League)
Man United vs Galatasaray prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Manchester United win (-225)
- Score prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Galatasaray
Recent form and ongoing injury problems mean it's hard to back United with total conviction at the moment, but they should still have too much for Buruk's in-form side.
Prior to last month's 3-1 defeat to Brighton, the Red Devils were unbeaten at home for a year. Confidence levels have taken a clear hit, but the return of Champions League football to the famous old ground should provide enough of a lift.
Galatasaray are unbeaten in 14 games across all competitions this season, although that record is padded slightly by six outings in Champions League qualification stretching back to late July.
Man United vs Galatasaray best bet
- Pick: Bruno Fernandes to assist at any time
- Odds: +200 (FanDuel)
Fernandes's set-piece deliveries kept United's heads above water in Munich, where a 4-3 scoreline ended up looking more respectable than it might have been.
The Portugal international is an assist king with a solitary assist in the Premier League this season. However, it is not for the want of trying to get a much higher number.
Only Mohamed Salah (nine) has created more than Fernandes' five "big chances" in England's top flight this term. If the likes of Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund can lock in ahead of him, United's star midfielder can have a telling influence.
Man United vs Galatasaray prop bet
- Pick: Galatasaray most goals in the first half
- Odds: +300 (BetMGM)
Starting strongly has not really been United's thing at Old Trafford so far this term. They were behind after 20 minutes of the 3-1 defeat to Brighton and Palace netted before the half-hour at the weekend.
Even their home wins this season have lacked authority early on. A laboured 1-0 win over Wolves was sealed by Raphael Varane 14 minutes from time, while Nottingham Forest raced into a 2-0 lead before succumbing 3-2.
Although Ten Hag's men are the pick overall, do not be surprised if an in-form Galatasaray make them feel the heat with a first-half opener.
