Turkish giants Galatasaray face Manchester United today in Sweden as part of their pre-season campaign.
Galatasaray have been banned from European competition football for a season due to not meeting FFP regulations and have made just one signing so far over the summer – Serdar Aziz – however, the Lions have exceeded expectations so far this summer.
The Istanbul giants have been playing attacking based football under manager Jan Olde Riekerink and won two of their last three friendlies – drawing the other against Young Boys 1-1.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to make his unofficial debut for United after joining the club from PSG over the summer.
United boss Jose Mourinho will be familiar with a few Galatasaray players especially Wesley Sneijder who played under the command of the current United boss while at Inter Milan where the duo lifted the UEFA Champions League and Serie A together.
Galatasaray and United have a rich history against each other having played six competitive games which all began with a thrilling 3-3 draw at Old Trafford in the 1993 European Cup second round.
The Lions slogan ‘Welcome to Hell’ was coined in Istanbul following a goalless draw which knocked United out on the away goals rule.
United have also been involved in high scoring games recently including a 4-1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund.
This may be a friendly but Galatasaray will be using the opportunity to test themselves against one of world footballs biggest names.
The Istanbul giants have defensive problems but going forwards they could punish United on the counter attack with the pace of Bruma and the intelligence of Sneijder to pull off defence splitting passes.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
Manchester United v Galatasaray
Stadium: Ullevi
Kick-off: 18: 30 GMT
Manchester United probable line-up: De Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Tuanzebe, Blind, Schneiderlin, Fellaini, Mkhitaryan, Rooney, Martial, Ibrahimovic
Manger: Jose Mourinho
Galatasaray probable line-up: Muslera, Linnes, Chedjou, Hakan Balta, Carole, Hamit Altıntop, Dzemaili, Bruma, Sneijder, Sinan Gümüş, Yasin Öztekin
Manager: Jan Olde Riekerink
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