Man Utd stance on unwanted Old Trafford scenes as Galatasaray fans infiltrate home end

Manchester United have launched an internal investigation into how so many Galatasaray fans managed to get tickets in the home sections of Tuesday’s Champions League match.

The Red Devils lost 3-2 at Old Trafford after a 10-minute collapse that saw Erik ten Hag’s side concede two from a winning position and were reduced to 10 men. For the away fans, it was a memorable occasion as they beat one of Europe’s biggest sides, but the jubilant scenes were not reserved for the visiting section of the ground.

Hundreds of Galatasaray fans managed to purchase tickets at Old Trafford in the home end and, at full-time, there were swarms of Turkish supporters making their way towards the South-East corner of the stadium, where the away fans are situated. Galatasaray fans were also visible at full-time in the upper sections of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and in the Stretford End.

During the game, flares were set alight in the main section of away fans, a famous banner quoting Sir Matt Busby was partially torn down, and a missile was thrown from the visiting area at United captain Bruno Fernandes. Hours after the game, hundreds of Galatasaray fans were still congregating outside Old Trafford as they celebrated their side’s victory.

United have now confirmed they are investigating the matter with the initial feeling that ticket touts and sales through official channels to UK-based Galatasaray fans were to blame for Tuesday's issues.

United also insist that, as with all Old Trafford games, measures were put in place to prevent away fans from purchasing tickets in the home section, and supporters who held a Turkish address were unable to buy a ticket. The club view the incident as something as a one off and United, like other Premier League teams, feel it is difficult to completely eradicate ticket touting.

That will do little to appease disgruntled supporters, however, with tickets for big European away games often in hot demand, while there is a feeling among fans that Old Trafford has been allowed to slowly deteriorate over the last 15 years. The ground was not selected as one of the 10 grounds to host matches at Euro 2028 by the joint British and Irish bid.

Meanwhile, United’s fans booed the players off the pitch after Tuesday's game, something Ten Hag claimed he did not have an issue with.

The result leaves United on zero points after two Champions League matches, behind Copenhagen (one point), Galatasaray (four points) and Bayern Munich (six points). It means the Red Devils will need to take close to maximum points from the final four group-stage matches, if they hope to qualify for the knockout rounds, a difficult task given the fixtures involve a trip to Turkey and Bayern travelling to Old Trafford.