Good evening and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of tonight's Champions League clash between Manchester United and Galatasaray at Old Trafford.
United were sensationally eliminated from the group stages of the competition last season, but they will be confident of emerging from a group which also includes Braga and Cluj.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side are competing in their 17th successive Champions League this season, but it is Galatasaray's first appearance for five years.
The Turkish side have also never won on English soil, with their most recent loss coming against Liverpool in the 2006-07 campaign.
> Full team news for the match
Please note that kickoff is at 7.45pm.
9.44pmOur full report of the match can be found here. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for the Europa League football tomorrow. Good night!
9.42pmGalatasaray were not without their chances, but David de Gea was in inspired form as they suffered defeat. About as entertaining as a 1-0 gets.
9.40pmSo there we have it. It's a winning opening night for Manchester United. The only goal of the game came after seven minutes when Michael Carrick found the back of the net. Meanwhile, Nani missed a penalty in the second period.
FULL-TIMEManchester United 1-0 Galatasaray
90 min+4Big penalty shout for Galatasaray as Evans fells Yilmaz in the box, but the referee waves play on. Meanwhile, Hernandez fires over down the other end.
90 min+2Chance! Wonderful play from Nani as he feeds Hernandez in the box, but the Mexican is denied by a fine save.
90 minMeanwhile, we will play an additional five minutes at the end of the 90. Is there another goal left in this one? It does not appear so at the moment.
88 minBig penalty claim for United as Valencia goes down in the box, but nothing was given. That is a penalty for me. What is the official behind the goal doing?!
88 minNothing much from either side at the moment with United controlling possession in midfield. However, we still have three minutes plus stoppage time to play.
86 minChance! Wonderful opportunity for Hernandez as he is found by Nani, but he fires it wide from close range. It has been that kind of night.
84 minThird and final change for the home side as Kagawa is replaced by Danny Welbeck. A lot of fresh legs on the pitch now.
83 minIt's Galatasaray with possession as we approach the final five minutes of normal time. Is there another goal left in the match?
81 minAgain it's sloppy from the home side as Van Persie loses possession before fouling Eboue. Meanwhile, the Dutchman is replaced by Javier Hernandez.
80 minMeanwhile, change for the away side as Melo is replaces by Aydin. Little over 10 minutes remaining at Old Trafford.
79 minWonderful moment here as Darren Fletcher makes his return for Manchester United. He replaces Paul Scholes. What a moment for the Scot.
77 minUnited are in control of possession at the moment, but they still cannot find that killer pass inside the box. Kagawa has a sighter from outside the box, but it is blocked.
75 minChance! So nearly two for United as Nani searches out Van Persie in the box, but the ball was just behind the striker. It's been that kind of night for United.
74 minStill United attack as Valencia finds Van Persie in the box, but once more Eboue makes the challenge. Real end-to-end football at the moment.
72 minChance! Wonderful opportunity down the other end as Colak strikes from inside the box, but De Gea produces a top save. Brilliant goalkeeping.
72 minChance! Wonderful play from United as Nani and Evra link down the left, but the Frenchman's shot is pushed wide by the goalkeeper. That was wonderful football.
70 minIt's sloppy from United at the moment as they continue to relinquish possession. Sir Alex Ferguson will not be a happy man on the sidelines.
68 minDecent spell of possession from Galatasaray with Altintop and Eboue both involved, but Vidic clears the danger. United need to find another gear here.
66 minStill United remain on the attack as Nani attacks down the right, but Eboue comes across to make the challenge. The former Arsenal man has had a tidy game this evening.
64 minAnother half-chance for United as Van Persie finds Nani in the box, but his header is straight at the goalkeeper.
63 minChange for the away side as Amrabat is replaced Emre Colak. Attacker for an attacker. They are really going to have a go in the remaining 30 minutes.
61 minAnother sighter for the home side as Van Persie clips an effort towards goal, but it just moved high of the crossbar. It is all United at the moment.
59 minChance! So nearly 2-0 to United as Vidic meets a Nani corner, but he heads it just over the crossbar. That was ever so close.
59 minHalf-chance for United as Valencia searches out the head of Van Persie in the box, but Eboue gets up well to clear the danger.
57 minChance! So nearly 1-1 as Inan meets an Altintop cross, but his header moves just wide of the post. What a match.
55 minSighter for United as Nani meets a Van Persie corner, but he heads it straight over the bar. United really need a second here.
54 minIncredible miss. But United still attack. They really need this second. What is it with United and penalties lately? They have missed their last three.
53 minNANI MISSES! The Portugal international fires it straight at the goalkeeper. That was poor.
52 minUnited are awarded a penalty as Rafael is felled in the box by Baita. Nani will take it...
52 minPENALTY TO UNITED!
52 minYou can just sense that there are goals to be had in this second period. The next goal is ever so crucial. If United get it early, it could be three or four.
50 minVery strange moment here as Nani picks up the ball after seemingly being fouled. But the referee had not given it! What a very weird occurance.
49 minHalf-chance for the away side as Altintop picks up possession outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. It is still so open.
47 minAgain it's end-to-end football as both sides strive forward. United have the best chance as Nani finds Kagawa in the box, but Kaya makes a fine block.
46 minGalatasaray kick us off in the second period. Will this half be as open? I certainly hope so.
8.46pmHere we go then. Both sets of players are just preparing for the second period. Can Galatasaray respond?
8.43pmYou would have been excused for thinking that United would go onto dominate after taking an early lead. But it just has not happened. Meanwhile, Galatasaray had a strong penalty shout within the opening minute of the match.
8.40pmJust some statistics to bring you from the opening half. Manchester United have dominated possession with 55%, while they have had five shots to the Turkish side's four.
8.37pmUnited have also had chances via Kagawa and Nani, but they have been too wasteful with possession in advanced areas. It has been an incredibly open 45 minutes of football.
8.34pmHowever, it has been far from comfortable for United. Altintop fired an effort just wide of the post for Galatasaray, while Amrabat smashed the crossbar early in the opening period.
8.32pmSo there we have it. United lead at the break courtesy of a seventh minute strike from Michael Carrick. Both sides have had chances to add to the scoreline, but it remains 1-0 to the home side. Our report of the opening half can be found here.
HALF-TIMEManchester United 1-0 Galatasaray
45 min+2United push forward in the latter stages of the half, but Galatasaray repel the late danger. That's just about it for this half.
45 minMeanwhile, we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the half.
45 minChance! So nearly an opportunity for the away side as Altintop advances on goal, but Carrick makes a wonderful challenge to clear the danger.
44 minHalf-chance for the away side as Amrabat strikes from outside the box, but De Gea is on hand to collect possession. Galatasaray are on top at the moment.
42 minReally nice work from United with Scholes and Valencia both involved in and around the box, but Nani is too slow in possession and the danger is cleared.
40 minAnother great chance for Galatasaray as Evra fells Amrabat on the baseline. Altintop has a wonderful effort, but it just moves wide of the post.
38 minHowever, Altintop's effort strikes the wall. That was a waste. Just about 10 minutes of the half remaining at Old Trafford.
37 minChance for the away side as Burak is felled by Valencia outside the box. There was nothing in that. But they have a free kick around 35 yards from goal.
36 minDecent spell from the away side as they pass and probe in the United half. But their final ball is just lacking at the moment.
34 minBig penalty shout! It might have been a pen for United as Eboue challenged Kagawa in the box, but it was not given. The Japan international has been brilliant thus far.
33 minHalf-chance for the away side as Eboue dances into the United box, but Evra makes the challenge. Galatasaray are a good side that is for certain.
32 minThere is an incredible amount of room in the Galatasaray half at the moment. Nani continues to dart forward, but his final ball is lacking.
30 minThe match has just settled in the past few minutes with United enjoying possession in midfield. They search forward once more with Valencia, but his cross is put behind by Kaya.
28 minElmander is causing United some problems with his pure size at the moment. Galatasaray force a corner, but Carrick clears the danger.
26 minReplays have suggested that United might have been awarded a penalty as Eboue handled in the box following the Valencia cross moments ago. But no decision was given.
25 minChance! So nearly 2-0 to United as Valencia whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Muslera palms it to safety. It remains end-to-end stuff.
23 minMelo took a bit of a knock from Carrick as he got up for that header. He looks a bit shaken up. But he should be alright to continue.
22 minHalf-chance for Melo as he meets the corner with a thumping header, but it was always moving high of the crossbar.
21 minGalatasaray are just starting to enjoy a bit of possession in the middle of midfield. Meanwhile, Elmander forces a corner from Evans. They can sense something here.
19 minUnited continue to strive forward as they force two corners. You just get the feeling that they are starting to dominate now.
18 minJust as I say that United twice give possession away in quick succession. It is just so open. There are goals in this team. It's almost like seven versus seven on a full size pitch.
16 minAnd the change is made as Elmander replaces Bulut. He has of course played here with Bolton Wanderers. Meanwhile, the home side have just begun to control possession.
14 minAnother sighter for United as Scholes finds Valencia on the right, but his cross is just cleared. Meanwhile, Elmander is being readied for the away side.
13 minI just cannot remember ever seeing a football match that is so open. It really is end-to-end football at the moment. This could end 4-4. United just need to settle with possession.
11 minChance! So nearly 1-1 as Amrabat advances into the box, but his shot thumps the crossbar. How attacking are they?!
9 minThat was really nice football from United. However, the away side continue to push forward. This will suit Sir Alex Ferguson's side. Really nice tempo at the moment.
7 minUnited lead and it's brilliant play as Kagawa finds Carrick in the box and he rounds the goalkeeper to finish from close range.
7 minGOAL! Manchester United 1-0 Galatasaray (Carrick)
7 minChance! Wonderful chance for United as Kagawa finds the run of Nani, but his shot is palmed away by Muslera.
6 minReally smart work from Nani as he dances past two defenders, but his pass to Valencia is cut out. End-to-end football at the moment.
5 minReally high tempo start from both sides. Half-chance for United as Nani advances forward, but his attempted pass to Van Persie is just short. Meanwhile, replays have suggested that Vidic may have caught Bulut in the area early on.
3 minGalatasaray have come to play this evening that is for certain. Bit of a penalty shout for Galatasaray among that early move. But the referee waved play on. United advance down the other end, but Valencia's cross is collected by Muslera.
2 minEarly charge forward from the away side as Altintop gathers possession in midfield. However, it breaks down at the vital moment.
1 minHere we go then. United kick us off. What will the 90 minutes bring?
7.44pmWolfgang Stark is our man in charge this evening. He's a class official and should let the game flow. Let's get this show on the road.
7.43pmHere we go then. Handshakes? Check. Flags exchanged? Check. This year it is the road to Wembley.
7.40pmJust five minutes until show time. We are expecting the players on the pitch with that beautiful Champions League music any moment now.
7.37pmGood grief the Galatasaray fans are making some noise ahead of kickoff. They have been in the ground over an hour and have not stopped for breath. What a wonderful atmosphere on this mild evening in Manchester.
7.34pmSo, just about 10 minutes to go. A final reminder that Van Persie starts this evening. He is full of smiles as he warms up on the pitch.
7.31pmTonight is also another chance for Nemanja Vidic to get 90 minutes under his belt. He hasn't been at his best so far this season, but he spent so long on the sidelines. Another game, more fitness, perfect for the Serbian.
7.28pmLooking away from this match for a moment. Some interesting team news coming out of Stamford Bridge with Oscar making his first start for the club against Juventus. That one could be a cracker.
7.25pmIt's also a big night for David de Gea this evening. He was wonderful against Everton, but was dropped following a clanger against Fulham. But for me, he needs games. He is going to be a world class stopper.
7.22pmYou can get as high as 10/1 on an away win this evening. Some value in that? Not for me. I just do not see a way how Manchester United lose this game. I am putting my neck on the line, but it won't happen.
7.19pmWe are just around 25 minutes to kickoff at Old Trafford. The ground is just starting to fill up nicely. The Turks know how to have a party that is for certain.
7.16pmUnited won just one home game in the group stages last year - against FC Otelul Galati - but you just get the feeling that Sir Alex Ferguson will simply not allow his team to fail this time around.
7.13pmRegular followers will know what time it it now. Yep, prediction time! I don't think it will be an easy game for United this evening. I'm going 2-0 to the home side.
7.10pmMeanwhile, this is not the only match in the Champions League tonight. Here is a full list of fixtures for this evening: Chelsea vs. Juventus, Shakhtar vs. Nordsjaelland, Bayern Munich vs. Valencia, Lille vs. BATE, Barcelona vs. Spartak Moscow, Celtic vs. Benfica and Braga vs. Cluj.
7.07pmFor all the doom and gloom surrounding United's past season in Europe. Here's an impressive stat for you: They have lost just two of their last 56 Champions League matches at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, they have scored in each of their last 12 matches in the competition.
7.04pmUnited have also quite remarkably lost four out of their last five matches in Europe, although two of those came against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League last season. It is also just about 19 years to the day that Galatasaray knocked United out of the competition on away goals.
7.01pmMeanwhile, former Liverpool winger Albert Riera is joined on the away side's bench by former Bolton man Elmander.
7.01pmSome really good news for the home side this evening with Darren Fletcher being named on the bench. He is joined by Rio Ferdinand, Anderson, Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley and Anders Lindegaard.
6.59pmUnited have surprisingly won just three of their last 11 European matches, but Galatasaray have not won any of their last eight away matches in the competition. Anyone for a 0-0? Only joking.
6.56pmUnited also enter the match having won three of their last four matches in the Premier League, the last coming against Wigan Athletic at the weekend. Galatasaray also enter the match off the back of a 4-0 win and they have scored 10 goals in their last three domestic fixtures.
6.53pmLooking to the history between the two sides. United's home record against Turkish teams is quite hit and miss. They have won three, drawn one and lost twice of their last six encounters. The most recent loss coming to Besiktas in the 2009/10 campaign - although United had already qualified.
6.50pmOne man who does start for the away side this evening is Emmanuel Eboue. Talk about return of the old enemy! They have got some good players that's for certain.
6.48pmTeams:
Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael, Evans, Vidic, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Kagawa, Nani; Van Persie
Galatasaray: Muslera; Eboue, Semih, Dany, Hakan; Hamit, Selcuk, Melo, Amrabat; Burak, Umut
6.45pmDavid de Gea also replaces Anders Lindegaard in goal for United. Meanwhile, Jonny Evans comes in for Rio Ferdinand in the centre of defence. For Galatasaray, there is no place in the starting side for Johan Elmander.
6.45pmBREAKING: Robin Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa make their Champions League debuts for Manchester United.
6.45pmGood evening all! Have we all recovered from last night? What a match it was in Spain with Real Madrid emerging as 3-2 winners over Manchester City. Meanwhile, Arsenal also began their European campaign with a priceless win. Tonight we focus on Manchester United, but just a reminder that Chelsea also entertain Juventus at Stamford Bridge this evening.
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