The Red Devils lost 2-1 in the Turkish capital
Manchester United threw away their 100% winning start to their Champions League campaign with an embarrassing loss at the hands of İstanbul Başakşehir. İstanbul ran out 2-1 winners after goals from Demba Ba and Edin Višća.
Both goals occurred in the first half. Demba Ba struck first after some calamitous defending from Manchester United in the 12th minute. Ba was afforded unlimited space as he ran behind the United rear-guard after a clearance. The 35-year-old remained calm as he slotted past Dean Henderson in the United goal.
Premier League fans may remember Demba Ba after impressive stints with West Ham, Newcastle and Chelsea. Manchester United fans will certainly not have expected him to open the scoring tonight, though.
Demba Ba has now scored four career goals against Man Utd:
⚽️⚽️ for Newcastle
⚽️ for Chelsea
⚽️ for İstanbul BaşakşehirThey left him unmarked… in his own half. 🙃 pic.twitter.com/7mbkgSKY09
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) NOVEMBER 4, 2020
İstanbul got their second in the 40th minute after poor ball retention from Juan Mata. Demba Ba was once again involved as his clever dummy fell to Edin Višća. Višća put the final touches on the move with a tidy finish from close range.
Edin Višća with his 4th goal of the season for @ibfk2014 🥳
Who’s scoring next? 🤷♂️#UCL pic.twitter.com/FcC6enFrsl
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) NOVEMBER 4, 2020
The Man United back four weren’t doing themselves any favours with their first half performance. Axel Tuanzebe came in for his 2nd Champions League start of the season but failed to impress. He consistently lost his 50/50s, receiving a yellow card in the process. He looked very accomplished against PSG a couple of weeks ago but failed to impose himself in the same fashion tonight. Scott McTominay replaced the young defender at half time.
United managed to get one back just after İstanbul’s 2nd. Good feet and an accurate cross by Luke Shaw found Anthony Martial in the box and he accurately placed his header into the net. İstanbul got too comfortable and fell asleep momentarily, leading to the goal.
A lifeline for United.#MUFC #UCL pic.twitter.com/1b013rAAWB
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) NOVEMBER 4, 2020
There were no further goals in the first half as İstanbul lead Manchester United 2-1. Not many would have predicted that first half scoreline prior to kick off.
While Manchester United looked brighter in the second half, they failed to turn their domination into goals. They brought on Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani in the 60th minute in an attempt to change their fortunes. That, unfortunately for United fans, came to nothing.
United very nearly got their equalizer in the dying embers of added time, but a brilliant goal line clearance denied them of that. Only for Alexandru Epureanu’s incredible reactions it would have been a goal.
The match ended 2-1 to İstanbul in a very disappointing result for Manchester United. Many would have expected a comfortable United win given İstanbul’s previous results, but that wasn’t to be. İstanbul will be very pleased as they managed to pick up their first ever Champions League victory.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær has consistently faced scrutiny since taking the reigns of Manchester United. Tonight’s result – along with their loss to Chelsea at the weekend – will only put the Norwegian under increased pressure.
United remain on top of their group at the minute but that could change depending on the result of PSG vs. RB Leipzig later.
United fall to defeat in Istanbul.#MUFC #UCL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) NOVEMBER 4, 2020
