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As the Manchester United hierarchy reflected on yet another defeat, there was scarcely a thought of blaming Erik ten Hag. That means they certainly won’t be making any “knee-jerk decisions” about his future. United are committed to the Dutch coach. The overriding feeling is that Ten Hag has faced an almost impossible number of injuries, to go with more off-field issues in a short period than almost any manager has ever faced. The latter may not be a complete coincidence in the context of the overall future of the club. There is a sense that a decade of issues from the ownership post-Ferguson have started to finally come together, which has caused everything else to come apart. So much has gone full circle, right down to comparisons now being made between Ten Hag and Louis van Gaal. The Dutch great was one of many who warned them. It's still a hierarchy that knows how to spend the club's money, but doesn't know how to spend with real football insight. Investment has not been made in deeper football intelligence. A crumbling Old Trafford has become a visual metaphor of all that. Now, to round it all off, it is hard not to think the uncertainty over the sale process has started to manifest on the pitch; inhibiting decisions; preventing true clarity. Some within the club would even argue that the heavily criticised management of cases like Mason Greenwood comes down to how financial considerations are the main factor conditioning all decisions. So much has been seen in terms of financial assets with value. It is known that the case affected Ten Hag’s planning. There have since been further disruptions. One £80m-plus forward in Antony was temporarily unavailable for selection due to accusations of domestic abuse, which he denies. Another £80m-plus forward in Jadon Sancho is not being used over a personality clash with the manager. That latter situation leads into one of the most relevant questions, at least as regards whether the club can navigate their way out of yet another classic United crisis. That is if Ten Hag’s management is making the current situation worse. The Independent has been told that the atmosphere inside the dressing room and among general staff is now “toxic”. Many previous employees speak in David Beckham’s new documentary, the premiere of which took place on the same night as that Champions League group match at home to Galatasaray. It was that exact fixture that saw Beckham score his first-ever goal for the club back in 1994, which was featured on the documentary to symbolise a player and a team on the up. It only sharpened the contrast to now. United figures will no doubt watch it forlornly, as they are reminded how that ferocious assurance has evaporated. They are back in the pre-Ferguson days, but almost worse. Comparisons have similarly been made between Ten Hag’s start to the season and that which got Ron Atkinson sacked in 1986. While it is wrong to say the Dutch coach has “lost the dressing room”, he is at a fraught point where any connection with the current team is in danger of being broken. This is where some players privately complain about how Ten Hag “isn’t exactly warm”. His response to setbacks is to get even more disciplinarian. There isn’t that nuance to the approach. Plenty at United would say that is exactly what is required, and itself needs patience, since this is a dressing room that has seen off a series of managers. Accounts of “toxic” atmospheres long preceded Ten Hag. It doesn’t help the Dutch coach that so many remnants of four previous managerial regimes remain. There is a fair argument that is a significant factor that has almost been understated in all of the discussion around United. Ten Hag could fairly compare it to Mikel Arteta’s circumstances. For all that Arsenal have spent, a proud argument made within the London club is that their greatest investment wasn’t any player purchase but in paying off the contracts of Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Decisions like that have ensured everyone in the squad fully buys into what the manager wants. That is hugely important from a psychological perspective, as well as in fostering the kind of furnace-heat assurance Ferguson made such a force. Ten Hag doesn’t have anything close to that. He instead has players hanging around who he doesn’t want and who themselves know that. That saps the focus. Even the Sancho decision has played into this. While some players consider Ten Hag’s stance completely fair, the winger still has friends in the squad. They feel he has been treated too harshly, further eroding that focus. The injuries have made all that worse. Those absences have been particularly ruinous at the back, which has made Andre Onana’s integration even more difficult. The new goalkeeper has played behind seven different starting backlines in 10 games, and the current one is probably the fourth choice. The benefits of Onana’s good footwork have barely been felt because the make-up of the team means he often has to go long. There's no one to collect. It hasn’t helped that the Cameroonian arrived relatively late after a protracted negotiation with Internazionale, when modern goalkeeping coaches would insist they are signings that need to be made from 1 June because of the deeper chemistry that is required. Onana's confidence has clearly been affected. This is where there should be scrutiny beyond Ten Hag. United’s approach to transfers has long come under criticism. The squad has so many remnants of previous regimes hanging around because they have struggled to offload players for years. Officials at other clubs have been privately dismissive of director of football John Murtough. Some have even questioned whether he would get such a lofty role elsewhere, and if the job is “too big for him”. It is felt he doesn’t have the contact base of some of his equivalents, not least people like Txiki Begiristain at Manchester City. As an example, Raphael Varane and Casemiro were big “obvious” signings. It should be acknowledged both looked transformative last season but - in the words of one Bernabeu contact - “there’s a reason Real Madrid got rid of them”. United have arguably seen the other side of their advanced careers this season. That actually makes it all the more striking that they didn’t even try for Harry Kane in the summer, one senior player whose situation was very different. He outgrew his club. It was the sort of deal United would have just made happen in the past, perhaps with Declan Rice. Club employees would defend Murtough, and insist he has improved how the role works. Rasmus Hojlund already looks an excellent signing, and of the forward-thinking type the club should be making. It is similarly possible that some of the questions elsewhere come from different interpretations of the job, albeit interpretations that influence how smoothly United work. The position should really involve setting the entire football philosophy of the club. United’s interpretation has instead led to another manager-led approach, which has been especially visible in the transfer market. While Pep Guardiola will give City’s recruitment team a profile of players he wants, which has meant some low-profile or relatively unrecognised purchases, Ten Hag has often insisted on specific names. It’s already been commented upon how so many of United’s signings are players the Dutch coach has previously worked with. This is why so much again rests on whether Ten Hag now has what it takes, and why the club’s bigger managerial decisions are so crucial, arguably more than any other club. It’s also where the comparisons with Van Gaal come in. A comment regularly made is that, like his predecessor, Ten Hag is doggedly insistent on players who understand his system over quality. That is theoretically a positive but the reality is often that it brings other gaps in how the team plays. Mason Mount was clearly a signing made for his tactical understanding. His range of positions offers a real variety. There’s even a commercial benefit, given his value as a high-profile England international. It’s still the case, however, that players who like Mount don’t seem to have an obvious role in the team. One question that’s been repeated is why exactly United bought him. There are then the disciplinary echoes of Van Gaal. Where the carrot might be needed, such as in circumstances as testing as this, Ten Hag just keeps going for the stick. Some sources have been amusingly acerbic about. “He’s just Dutch.” That has nevertheless led another argument, that has lingered from Ten Hag’s initial appointment. Dutch coaches generally haven’t excelled in the Premier League. An argument has been that they are used to specific club structures, and are too dogmatic. All of that does come amid a wider discussion whether the game is starting to really move into a tactical era beyond the Dutch-Spanish pressing-possession paradigm. Where there was once a sense that approach represented an “end of history” in terms of tactics, we are now into a future of baiting the press and similar innovations. Even Guardiola has adapted. For Ten Hag's part, he has argued his ideal is an approach executed at such an intense pace it makes his sides unplayable. Visions of that have been seen at United, especially in the build-up to the League Cup victory, and that thrilling win over Barcelona. It has just barely been seen since, without a convincing display in recent memory. That is almost what is most alarming of all. The League Cup was supposed to be the launch of a new era, but currently just looks like a club that thought it had arrived again, only to be left there. United didn’t build on it. So much has corroded since. It is why Ten Hag needs his foundation rebuilt. He needs to get through these injuries, so he is only playing teams he wants. On the other side of that, he has now made a point of bringing through the younger players such as Hannibal Mejbri and Kobbie Mainoo. That will bring more buy-in. That may bring a better longer-term outlook. Some figures around the club would again point to Arteta here, arguing that his Arsenal were mid-table for two years. The process wasn’t close to complete. His squad still didn’t get it. They get it now. Ten Hag will eventually get some reprieve. Some of the off-field issues will calm. It similarly looks likely the ownership situation will settle, even if it is not as many fans want. Joel and Avram Glazer still aren’t ready to sell, which will prevent the unanimity required from the siblings unless a mega offer is made. It is why Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s potential minority offer may be a strategically clever compromise. It gives the Glazers necessary investment and gives the INEOS boss a way in. It seems quite neat but won’t necessarily go like that. Sources close to the process say any minority buyer would want “a path to a majority”. Avram and Joel may not be ready to give up that. It means, for now, uncertainty reigns - not least over results. Read More ‘No excuses’: Ten Hag vows Man United will fight on ‘together’ after Champions League defeat Gary Neville responds after Jurgen Klopp calls for Liverpool replay: ‘That’s madness’ Manchester United are in crisis and Erik ten Hag is right about only one thing Gareth Southgate waits on Bukayo Saka news ahead of England double-header Rasmus Hojlund says Manchester United must ‘stick together’ in ‘tough period’ ‘No excuses’: Ten Hag vows Man United will fight on after Champions League defeat

Newcastle stunned Paris Saint-Germain on their first Champions League match at St James’ Park in 20 years as goals from Miguel Almiron, Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar sealed a famous 4-1 win. Newcastle took the lead midway through the first half when Almiron steered a composed finish inside the post before Burn doubled their lead before the break with a towering heder, awarded following a VAR check. Longstaff added a dream third for Eddie Howe’s side and although Lucas Hernandez pulled one back for the visitors, the French champions and star forward Kylian Mbappe were subdued as they suffered a shock defeat. Schar then scored a screamer in stoppage time to cap a stunning night, and Newcastle’s victory puts them top of Group F after two games, with Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan playing out a goalless draw in Germany.Here are how the players rated from St James’ Park. Newcastle United Nick Pope, 7 PSG barely had a shot in the first half and the England international - who was so busy last time out to earn a point in the San Siro - was mainly a spectator here. Could not do too much about Hernandez’s header, as PSG pulled one back. Kieran Trippier, 8 The right back faced the sizeable task of marking Kylian Mbappe but was faultless against the best player in the world. Add in the quality of his set-pieces and an assist and this was another great performance from the England international. Jamaal Lascelles, 8 Newcastle’s captain would not have expected to start but was excellent as a replacement for Sven Botman. Was solid in the heart of defence and made an outstanding recovering challenge on Dembele. Fabian Schar, 9 The defender’s stunning strike from the edge of the box capped off another impressive night from the centre-back, who was sharp to PSG’s movement and kept the visiting stars quiet throughout. That he also has so much quality going forward is a real bonus. Dan Burn, 8 You feared the worst when the towering full-back lined up against the tricky Ousmanne Dembele, but it was Burn who gave PSG more problems. Doubled their lead with a dream goal, powering a header past Donnarumma. Sean Longstaff, 8 If anyone deserved a Champions League goal at St James’ Park, it was him. Shone in midfield on what was the biggest night of his career. Barely gave the ball away and smashed in a stunning third goal after half time. Bruno Guimaraes, 7 The Brazilian was full of quality touches and flicks to help Newcastle break forward against PSG. The timing of his pass is so often excellent. Sandro Tonali, 7 Helped Newcastle settle with his energy and drive in the opening stages, and looked more at home on the left side of the midfield three. Miguel Almiron, 9 Even with the talent on display at St James’ Park, Almiron was the most dangerous forward on the pitch. Kept his head to steer a precise first-time finish past Donnarumma for Newcastle’s opening goal and was a menace throughout. Alexander Isak, 7 Led the line well and was a handful the PSG centre-backs could not deal with, even if it was others in the Newcastle side who made the difference on the night. Anthony Gordon, 7 Another who rose to the occasion. Pressed furiously from the front and set the tone from the first few minutes as he closed down Hakimi and Marquinhos and then made sure he did his defensive work at the other end. Paris Saint-Germain Gianluigi Donnarumma, 3 The Italian was faced with an onslaught of shots and crumbled. If the fact both of Newcastle’s first-half goals came from rebounds suggested he could have done better, there was no doubt about the third as Longstaff’s shot went through his hands. A big player who went missing, but far from the only one. Achraf Hakimi, 4 The right back looked to be a key outlet for PSG with his runs forward but was largely pinned back by the lively duo of Gordon and Tonali. Fortunately for him, the defensive mess in the PSG back four was on the other side. Marquinhos, 3 What was the PSG captain thinking with his careless ball into midfield? The experienced centre-back was punished by Almiron and looked spooked by the occasion. Milan Skriniar, 3 Left an ocean of space for Longstaff to run into for Newcastle’s third goal. It summed up a complete mess of a defensive performance from PSG. Lucas Hernandez, 4 The Frenchman was run ragged by the excellent Almiron and was nowhere to be seen for Longstaff’s third goal. Popped up to pull one back. Manuel Ugarte, 4 If PSG’s approach seemed to leave him isolated in midfield, the defensive midfielder struggled to adapt. Needed to move it quicker and looked overwhelmed. Warren Zaire Emery, 7 Despite his age, the 17-year-old led by example and was the key link between PSG’s defence and attack with his bursts forward from midfield. Perhaps the only PSG player to come away with any credit tonight. Ousmane Dembele, 6 Went close at 0-0 with a wicked volley from Mbappe’s cross that just went past the post. You thought he could have troubled Burn but hardly tested him enough, although he was still the brightest of PSG’s forwards and stun Pope’s palms with a sharp volley late on. Kylian Mbappe, 3 Found no joy on the wing in the first half so drifted along the frontline after the break - but still struggled to get into the game until very late on. This is Mbappe’s team now and you expect him to take more responsibility, but he looks like a player who is ready to move on. Randal Kolo Muani, 3 A largely anonymous performance. Hardly saw the ball and it was no surprise that he was taken off before the hour. Goncalo Ramos, 4 The striker was unlucky with a strike that was deflected just wide but was otherwise quiet. Read More Newcastle’s local heroes stun PSG to twist a tale of geopolitical tension The twin tensions which explain Newcastle and PSG’s very modern rivalry

Newcastle United entertain Paris Saint-Germain as they continue their exciting Champions League journey with Eddie Howe’s side hoping to kick-start their campaign after a goalless draw in Milan. Kylian Mbappe is leading a newlook PSG outfit, with Luis Enrique reshaping the profile and philosophy behind the Qatari-owned side as they look to claim a first European crown after the departures of Lionel Messi and Neymar. A thrilling display to ease past Dortmund last time out, with goals from Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi, makes Les Parisiens one of the strongest challengers to Manchester City and Real Madrid. Howe's side defeated Burnley 2-0 last weekend, with Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak on the shoresheet. Follow the latest news and updates from Newcastle vs PSG below and get the latest odds and tips here. Read More The twin tensions which explain Newcastle and PSG’s very modern rivalry Champions League faces future rival as Saudi Arabia looks to transform Club World Cup Eddie Howe worried over growing injury list as Newcastle prepare for PSG clash

Celtic welcome Lazio to Glasgow seeking their first points of this season’s Champions League campaign. The Scottish club suffered an opening defeat at Feyenoord in Group E, with both Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thiago Holm sent off. Lazio, meanwhile, opened with a home draw against Atletico Madrid as goalkeeper Ivan Provedel scored a dramatic stoppage time equaliser. Maurizio Sarri’s side are struggling in Serie A, though, having won just twice in their first seven league games. Here’s everything you need to know. Get all the latest football betting sites offers here. When is Celtic vs Lazio? Celtic vs Lazio is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 4 October at Celtic Park in Glasgow. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 3, with coverage on the channel from 7.30pm BST. Subscribers can also stream the action via discovery+. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Team news Celtic’s Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thiago Holm are suspended after their red cards against Feyenoord, but Joe Hart is back available after serving a domestic suspension at the weekend and should start in goal. Centre-half Cameron Carter-Vickers is expected to remain out until after the international break with his hamstring issue, while Liel Abada remains absent after picking up an injury to his thigh while away with Israel in September. Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri had hoped to give Ciro Immobile a day off before the 2-0 league defeat to Milan, but was forced to use the striker from the bench despite Immobile’s hip flexor issue. It may be that the Italian is able to start up front here, while a midfield reshuffle is also likely after youngster Nicolò Rovella started in that Serie A loss. Line-ups Celtic XI: Hart; Johnston, Phillips, Scales, Taylor; O’Riley, McGregor, Hatate; Maeda, Furuhashi, Palma Lazio XI: Provedel; Marusic, Romagnoli, Casale, Pellegrini; Kamada, Vecino, Alberto; Anderson, Zaccagni; Immobile. Odds Celtic win 9/5 Draw 13/5 Lazio win 11/8 Get the latest football odds here. Prediction A score draw. Celtic 2-2 Lazio. Read More Champions League faces future rival as Saudi Arabia looks to transform Club World Cup Every VAR apology so far: From Liverpool offside to Man City handball Victor Osimhen ends feud with own club Napoli in Instagram post Gary Neville responds after Jurgen Klopp calls for Liverpool replay: ‘That’s madness’ Manchester United are in crisis and Erik ten Hag is right about only one thing Chelsea’s Reece James fined and banned for abusing match official

After opening their Champions League campaigns with victory, RB Leipzig and Manchester City meet in Group G. The German side secured a significant away win at Young Boys in their opening group fixture, while last year’s Champions League winners got the defence of their crown up and running with a 3-1 victory against Red Star Belgrade. These two clubs met at the round of 16 stage of last season’s competition, with Leipzig holding the eventual champions at home but suffering a 7-0 thrashing at the Etihad Stadium. They may spy a Manchester City side in a vulnerable state, though, with injury problems mounting for Pep Guardiola and his team fresh from a surprise league slip-up against Wolves. Here’s everything you need to know. Get all the latest football betting sites offers here. When is RB Leipzig vs Manchester City? RB Leipzig vs Manchester City is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 4 October at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 7.45pm BST. Subscribers can also stream the action via discovery+. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Team news Experienced midfielder Kevin Kampl has been ailed by a hip problem of late and may miss out for RB Leipzig, who also have Timo Werner and Dani Olmo among those currently sidelined. Pep Guardiola was unable to name a full bench at Wolves in the weekend Premier League defeat, but will be boosted by the availability of key cog Rodri for this Champions League game - the Spain midfielder continues to serve a domestic suspension after his sending off against Nottingham Forest. Guardiola hinted that Bernardo Silva and John Stones are nearing a return, too. Predicted line-ups RB Leipzig XI: Blaswich; Henrichs, Simakan, Lukeba, Raum; Schlager, Seiwald; Simons, Forsberg; Poulsen, Openda. Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Ake; Foden, Rodri, Kovacic, Doku; Alvarez; Haaland. Odds Leipzig win 10/3 Draw 16/5 Manchester City win 7/10 Get the latest football odds here. Prediction Manchester City secure victory. RB Leipzig 1-3 Manchester City Read More Champions League faces future rival as Saudi Arabia looks to transform Club World Cup The Premier League now faces a credibility ‘crisis’ – and latest VAR farce is just the tip Manchester City legend Francis Lee dies aged 79 Mikel Arteta gives Bukayo Saka injury update ahead of Arsenal vs Man City Gareth Southgate waits on Bukayo Saka news ahead of England double-header Football rumours: Jadon Sancho keeping contact with Borussia Dortmund

The UK and Ireland are poised to host Euro 2028 with their bid now unopposed due to Turkey’s withdrawal. The joint bid between England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, which was up against Turkey ahead of next week’s Uefa announcement, will secure hosting rights subject to final approval from the governing body’s executive committee. Turkey will now join forces with Italy to host Euro 2032 instead, with Germany the hosts for next year’s Euro 2024. Uefa officials are yet to confirm how the hosts would qualify for Euro 2028, with discussions over the prospect of teams participating in qualification to secure competitive preparation for the tournament. However some teams could still qualify even if knocked out. The Independent reported in July that Uefa were unlikely to grant all five nations a place in the 24-team tournament. While Uefa sees benefits to the joint bid in terms of commercial potential and most of the infrastructure already in place, the number of teams hosting brings an unprecedented element. Issues related to sporting integrity as regards qualification may now emerge, with Uefa likely to award a maximum of three guaranteed places. The anticipated expansion of the tournament to 32 teams is not expected to happen until 2032. The prospect of a mini-tournament before qualification officially starts is thought to be on the table. While the Independent understands there is a very minor possibility the tournament could have just four hosts if Northern Ireland's planned stadium of Casement Park in Belfast isn't reconstructed in time. But that isn't currently seen as a challenge, given five years until the competition. There is no confirmation on who would host the final, though Wembley Stadium would seem the likely favourite, meaning a second European final in three editions of the competition. England lost to Italy in the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley, which took place in 2021 after its postponement due to Covid. Wembley is one of 14 venues across the five countries to have been shortlisted in the bid, with nine English stadia in total, two in the Republic of Ireland and one each in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The inclusion of Casement Park, a Gaelic sports venue which is in the process of being redeveloped, means Belfast is set to host matches should it remain when the final list of 10 stadia is submitted to Uefa in April. The nine English stadia include three in London – Wembley, the London Stadium and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium are on the provisional list, as are Newcastle’s St James’ Park and Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. Everton’s new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock is on the shortlist, as is Villa Park in Birmingham. The Aviva Stadium and Croke Park are the shortlisted venues in Dublin, while the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and Hampden Park in Glasgow complete the list. Gareth Bale was due to help the bid by joining a Welsh delegation in Geneva this month. The legendary winger, who is Wales' most capped player and record goalscorer, retired from football in January, but the 34-year-old offered to help Wales secure joint-hosting rights. Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney said: “We are hoping for a successful bid and Gareth is very much part of the FAW and what we do. He has been identified as one of the faces of the bid presentation. Gareth is globally famous. You can get into a taxi in Sydney or Peru and if you mention you are from Wales they will say ‘Gareth Bale’. It is an instant reaction. “When I go home to the west of Ireland the first thing people say to me is ‘how is Gareth Bale?’ Gareth is so good for us. We went to him and asked him if he would get involved in the Euro ’28 bid and he just said: ‘What can I do for Wales?’ It was instant – ‘how can I help you get the bid over the line?'” Turkey now looks set to host the major tournament in 2032, eight years after falling short in the race to host Euro 2024, with Germany outpointing them 12-4 in the voting. The Uefa Executive Committee will officially appoint host associations on 10 October at the governing body’s headquarters, the House of European Football, in Nyon, Switzerland. Read More UK and Ireland’s Euro 2028 bid unlikely to secure five automatic places Gareth Bale part of Welsh delegation to help UK and Ireland Euro 2028 bid UK and Ireland shortlist 14 stadiums for Euro 2028 bid Gareth Bale part of Welsh delegation to help UK and Ireland Euro 2028 bid UK and Ireland bid for Euro 2028 to be unopposed after Turkey withdraw interest Ed Sheeran and Ipswich players celebrate win with dressing room sing-along

Three decades ago, when Manchester United were about to face Galatasaray, they were greeted with banners declaring: “Welcome to Hell”. Thirty years on, United may have found hell: not in Istanbul, but in Manchester. A second home defeat in four days has sent them spiralling into crisis. So much for Raphael Varane’s assertion that they can win the Champions League. At this rate, bottom of the group, beaten six times in all competitions already this season, they may not even be playing in the Europa League after Christmas. A 3-2 loss came courtesy of their own failings: of disastrous defending, of the indiscipline of the sent-off Casemiro, of the poor team selection by Erik ten Hag. Even a colossal contribution by Rasmus Hojlund, who scored twice, had another goal disallowed and provided a chance that Bruno Fernandes really should have taken, was obscured by United’s ineptitude. It says something that Davinson Sanchez – that Davinson Sanchez, the former Tottenham centre-back – registered two assists. The second encapsulated United’s haplessness. The Colombian’s header from his own half released Mauro Icardi to run through a shot over Andre Onana, a goalkeeper with a marked reluctance to save any shots. It was rendered easier because Icardi, escaping behind United’s centre-backs, was played onside by the out-of-position makeshift left-back Sofyan Amrabat. It was a wretched night for United’s full-backs: Amrabat was partly culpable for Galatasaray’s second equaliser as well when Bans Yilmaz raced into space behind him before finding Kerem Akturkoglu to finish. Galatasaray’s first goal – scored, with a certain inevitability, by Wilfried Zaha – could be put down to Diogo Dalot. Outmuscled by the winger as Sanchez’s long ball landed in front of him, he allowed Zaha to hook in a shot that bounced over Onana. It was not the first time United had grounds to rue their mismanagement of Sir Alex Ferguson’s last signing. Zaha played four times for them and has now scored four goals against them. Yet Zaha, too, was demoted to a supporting character in the broader tragicomedy of another display of United haplessness. They were a team who were twice reprieved and immediately conceded. Akturkoglu was guilty of a glaring miss when Onana spilled the ball; United let him score instead shortly afterwards. Icardi drilled a spot kick wide after Casemiro, in his final contribution, chopped down Dries Mertens. He was soon on the scoresheet anyway. And for Casemiro, cautioned in the first half, a third red card of a brief United career highlighted how his lack of mobility and their shambolic tactics are dual problems. The Brazilian cannot get to the ball as quickly as he used to. United leave him exposed and, after Onana gave the ball away, he slid in on Mertens. For United, defeat to Bayern Munich by a one-goal margin may have had a certain respectability, much as he 4-3 scoreline in Germany flattered them. A loss at home to Galatasaray has no such sheen. The Turkish champions struggled past Molde in a play-off and went 2-0 down to FC Copenhagen two weeks ago. They brimmed with spirit and showed quality in attack, but the architects of defeat were United themselves. Ten Hag has to take his share of the blame. Picking Hannibal Mejbri backfired and not merely because the youngster, who was hauled off at half-time, contrived to block a goalbound shot from Mason Mount. Yet to focus on the rookie would be overly harsh: senior figures were found wanting. And the one player who should escape censure was United’s youngest starter. Hojlund was outstanding, taking his tally to three goals in two Champions League games, twice putting United ahead. They should have led earlier, Fernandes miscuing a shot wide after the Dane wriggled clear to cross. Then Casemiro hooked a pass over their defence, Marcus Rashford chased it and lifted in a cross and Hojlund accelerated past Davinson Sanchez to head it in. The ubiquitous Colombian had a part in his second, too, slipping as the £72m man sprinted half the length of the pitch to lift a shot over Fernando Muslera. United could rue the moment when Rashford, in trying to provide Fernandes with an open goal, under-hit a pass and allowed Sacha Boey to intercept. Often criticised for his decision-making, this time Rashford’s execution was the issue. But they had far greater problems, lacking control or cohesion, wrenched open, taking the total of goals conceded in Europe this season to seven already. They have horrible memories of visiting Istanbul three decades ago and of being eliminated from the Champions League by Galatasaray. A return at the end of November could come with a similar fate. And a comparison would emphasise their failings: in a year when Manchester City won the Champions League in Istanbul, Manchester United could exit it there. Read More Antony returns to Man Utd squad for Champions League after five-match absence Man United vs Galatasaray LIVE: Latest Champions League updates Sheikh Jassim makes Man Utd takever decision as Sir Jim Ratcliffe considers new bid Consistency the key for Vincent Kompany as he bids to lift Burnley Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly considering minority stake bid for Manchester United Raphael Varane reveals formula for Manchester United to claim Champions League glory

The Uefa Champions League continues with matchday two starting on Tuesday night, as Manchester United get their first chance to play in front of their fans in the competition this season. They’ll be hosting Turkish side Galatasaray and looking to kick-start their European campaign having been beaten 4-3 by Bayern Munich in their opener. At the same time, Galatasaray fought back from two goals down against Copenhagen to pick up a point, leaving Man United bottom in Group A after the first round of fixtures. While the Red Devils therefore are in sore need of a victory, the form guide is strongly against them doing so - they’ve lost four of the last six including a home weekend defeat to Crystal Palace. Follow the latest news and updates from Man United vs Galatasary below and get the latest odds and tips here. Read More Sheikh Jassim makes Manchester United takeover decision as Sir Jim Ratcliffe considers new bid Raphael Varane reveals formula for Manchester United to claim Champions League glory

The PGMOL have released the audio of the controversial Luis Diaz offside decision to Liverpool as part of a review, before it is eventually made public. It follows an official request from the Anfield club, although the referees’ body were always insistent it was just a case of “when” rather than “if” the audio was released. Liverpool have now received the audio and will begin to review the incident for themselves. The controversy has caused a credibility crisis for referees and the Premier League, which led to significant internal debate over whether the audio should have been made public in the immediate aftermath of Liverpool’s defeat to Tottenham. It was ultimately decided in consultation with the Premier League that the audio should go through a full review first, and that the club and competition should all have a chance to assess before it goes to the public. The audio was set to be covered as part of Howard Webb’s new Match Officials Mic’d Up monthly programme, which airs unheard audio from decisions between on-field officials and VAR team. The next Mic’d Up episode is scheduled for Monday next week, but the PGMOL are considering whether to release it before then, once the review of Saturday is complete. Meanwhile, referees Darren England and Dan Cook, the VAR officials who made the error, have been stood down from duty for a second round of Premier League fixtures. VAR lead England and VAR assistant Cook failed to overturn Luis Diaz’s wrongly disallowed goal in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat, after not realising that on-field referee Simon Hooper and his assistant officials had initially ruled the goal out for offside. England and Cook were subsequently replaced from Sunday’s match between Nottingham Forest and Brentford and the game between Chelsea and Fulham on Monday night, and neither official was issued a Premier League fixture ahead of this weekend. Referee Hooper will be the lead VAR for Everton’s match against Bournemouth this Saturday, after he served as the fourth official for Chelsea’s victory over Fulham in Monday’s west London derby. The referees’ body PGMOL admitted after Liverpool’s controversial defeat at Spurs that a “significant human error” had been made and referees’ chief Webb spoke to Liverpool after the match and offered an apology. It later emerged that England and Cook had taken charge of a match in the United Arab Emirates in midweek and had only made the six-hour return flight back to London the day before Liverpool’s match at Tottenham. Read More The Premier League now faces a credibility ‘crisis’ – and latest VAR farce is just the tip VAR officials who made Liverpool error not selected amid ongoing controversy Jamie Carragher believes VAR at ‘crisis point’ in Premier League VAR officials who made Liverpool error not selected amid ongoing controversy Liverpool request VAR audio of match-altering Luis Diaz goal decision Arsenal renew Pedro Neto interest but face competition from two Premier League rivals

Manchester United will hope to get back on track in the Champions League as they host Galatasaray in their second Group A fixture. Erik ten Hag’s side were beaten by Bayern Munich in the opening fixture of their European campaign despite scoring twice late on in a hectic end to a 4-3 defeat in Germany. The club’s stuttering start to the Premier League season has since continued with an unconvincing win over Burnley followed by a narrow home defeat to Crystal Palace. Galatasaray, conversely, are yet to lose in the league this season and took a point from their Group A opener against FC Copenhagen. Here’s everything you need to know. Get all the latest football betting sites offers here. When is Manchester United vs Galatasaray? Manchester United vs Galatasaray is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 3 October at Old Trafford in Manchester. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 7pm BST. Subscribers can also stream the action via discovery+. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Team news Manchester United continue to deal with significant injury problems, particularly defensively, where Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia remain absent. Sergio Reguilon could continue to be sidelined, too, which may force Erik ten Hag to continue to use Sofyan Ambrabat at left back. Antony has returned to training after allegations of domestic abuse and may yet be included in the squad. Galatasaray’s primary injury doubt is Hakim Ziyech, who has been struggling and training alone after picking up a knock. That could well mean a start for Wilfried Zaha against his former club - the winger scored in the weekend win over Ankaragucu. Left-sided player Kazimcan Karatas is injured. Predicted line-ups Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Amrabat; Mount, Casemiro, Fernandes; Rashford, Hojlund, Garnacho. Galatasaray XI: Muslera; Boey, Sanchez, Bardakci, Angelino; Torreira, Demirbay; Zaha, Mertens, Akturkoglu; Icardi. Odds Manchester United win 4/9 Draw 7/2 Galatasaray win 6/1 Get the latest football odds here. Prediction Manchester United secure a much needed win. Manchester United 2-1 Galatasaray Read More Marcus Rashford’s form has become the latest symptom of Manchester United’s struggles David Beckham reveals pain of World Cup red card: ‘I was a mess’ ‘No excuse’ for Man United to lose at home to Crystal Palace, says Erik ten Hag Consistency the key for Vincent Kompany as he bids to lift Burnley Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly considering minority stake bid for Manchester United Raphael Varane reveals formula for Manchester United to claim Champions League glory

Arsenal travel to France to take on Lens in their second Champions League Group B fixture. Mikel Arteta’s side got their European campaign up and running with a convincing home win against PSV Eindhoven in matchweek one, and will hope to take another big step towards the knockout rounds. Lens, making their return to the competition after 20 years away, secured a solid point in Seville in their first fixture, though have endured a difficult start to the new Ligue 1 season. Last year’s runners-up have already lost four times and sit only a point above the relegation places in the French top tier, though back-to-back wins have been a significant boost. Here’s everything you need to know. Get all the latest football betting sites offers here. When is Lens vs Arsenal? Lens vs Arsenal is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 3 October at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage on the channel from 7pm BST. Subscribers can also stream the action via discovery+. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Team news Massadio Haidara has not featured for Lens since suffering a thigh injury in the Champions League opener against Sevilla, joining David Costa (shoulder), Jimmy Cabot and Wuilker Farinez (both ACL) on the sidelines. Mikel Arteta will be fretting over the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, who sustained knocks late on in the win over Bournemouth. Saka trained on Monday but may not be risked with a clash with Manchester City to come at the weekend. Thomas Partey has also been back on the grass as he nears a comeback from his own injury issue, but Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring) would again appear unlikely to feature. Predicted line-ups Lens XI: Samba; Gradit, Danso, Medina; Frankowski, Samed, Mendy, Machado; Fulgini, Sotoca; Wahi. Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Jesus Odds Lens win 9/2 Draw 16/5 Arsenal win 4/7 Get the latest football odds here. Prediction Arsenal secure a strong away win. Lens 1-3 Arsenal. Read More Every VAR apology so far: From Liverpool offside to Man City handball Mikel Arteta delighted to see Arsenal’s ‘human qualities’ after Kai Havertz goal It is the food – Mikel Arteta suggests reason behind string of Basque coaches Arsenal renew Pedro Neto interest but face competition from two Premier League rivals Arsenal suffer travel delays ahead of Champions League tie in Lens Football rumours: Juventus seeking new long-term deal for Adrien Rabiot

Chelsea got their goal and then had some fortune. If both were overdue, it came as a great relief for Mauricio Pochettino, who got just his second win since returning to the Premier League with this comfortable 2-0 victory over neighbours Fulham in the west London derby. It may just be one night in Chelsea’s long road back to where they want to be under the former Tottenham manager, but there was enough here to suggest that something is finally starting to come together in this young side – not least because of the identity and resilience of their goalscorers at Craven Cottage. Mykhailo Mudryk got his first for Chelsea at long last, amid much criticism of his performances since an £88m transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk, while Armando Broja marked his return from injury and first start in 11 months by doubling Chelsea’s lead in the space of two first-half minutes. Mudryk was rewarded for his perseverance and it was somewhat fitting that the winger ended Chelsea’s goal drought in the Premier League while also breaking his own personal duck. If Pochettino will hope it is the moment that gives the 22-year-old the platform and confidence to show his true potential, he too was rewarded for continuing to give Mudryk the opportunity on what was his fourth consecutive start. Chelsea hardly turned a corner against Fulham, but Pochettino’s display of faith and patience is what the club will need to get there. After all, it had not been easy for Mudryk. “It’s about maturity, adaptation,” Pochettino said. “We need to understand that young people need time, need to settle.” It was a reminder that Mudryk’s difficult start at Cheslea can also be put down to wider issues at the club. Mudryk joined a bloated squad last season and a dressing room that could not even fit all of their first-team players. It was hardly an environment where he could arrive and be the “cherry on the cake”, as Pochettino explained. “It’s about time and to have patience, to trust these guys and these young, talented players, and to build their confidence,” Pochettino continued. His proven record of developing young players suggests the Argentine arrived at just the right time for Mudryk. Because there is a player there, even as the Ukrainian’s flashes come in raw, untamed bursts of speed, his legs and boots often whirring ahead of the brain. But against Fulham there was also, finally, the touch of class at the end, in the moment that unlocked the match and released the pressure on the visitors. Mudryk was typically electric yet erratic in the opening 10 minutes, running the ball out of play on the left before lashing a wild shot wide after cutting in from the wing; he was taunted by the Fulham fans in the Hammersmith End with chants of “what a waste of money”, and could have allowed his head to drop. But if the forward’s decision-making around the box looked to be in question again, Mudryk then provided the sharp touch from Levi Colwill’s clever ball into his path before finishing under Bernd Leno. With it, Mudryk had his first goal since his last appearance in the Ukrainian top flight almost 11 months ago, and after a goalless September, Chelsea had their first in the Premier League since a 3-0 win against Luton in August, as well as a rare away win. After a spell of almost 300 minutes without a goal, the second then came in a matter of seconds, and in this final fixture of the weekend there was room for one more “significant human error”. This time, though, it was Fulham captain Tim Ream who passed straight out to the impressive Cole Palmer, and whose efforts to clear instead saw the ball cannon off Broja’s foot and past Leno. Chelsea will argue that their slice of good fortune had been coming; Pochettino’s side had arrived at Craven Cottage as the Premier League’s great xG underperformers, with more big chances missed than anyone this season, but this was the night where their luck perhaps started to turn. Pochettino’s team were the brightest before the goal and for once they had quickly built a lead to settle on. It allowed for a night of positivity – Chelsea needed a win after making their worst start to a top-flight season in 45 years, but Pochettino will be more encouraged by some of the displays in his young, although expensively assembled, side. Palmer, in particular, stood out on his first Premier League start for Chelsea, his left foot all deft touches and clever, slipped passes through the lines. In for Raheem Sterling, who was on the bench due to illness, the £40m signing from Manchester City has laid a claim to be the brightest of Chelsea’s many summer recruits and produced the pass that led to Broja’s goal. In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher, the player of the match, functioned well ahead of the record signing Moises Caicedo, who shielded and screened to allow the other two to burst and drive. As a collective, they outworked and dominated Fulham’s midfield trio of Joao Palhinha, Harrison Reed and Andreas Pereira, which does not happen often. Fulham, though, were well below what was required on their big night. After finishing above Chelsea last season, they came into this west London derby feeling as confident as they had done before this fixture in a generation. But Marco Silva’s side were blunt in attack and far too open at the back – it took until the hour for substitute Carlos Vinicius to threaten Chelsea’s patched-up defence for the first time when he headed over the bar from close range. Moments later, Chelsea could have been out of sight. Ian Maatsen, who replaced Mudryk - off due to a minor know - at the break, struck the inside of the post with a first-time effort from Gallagher’s cut-back before Fernandez’s shot was blocked by Leno. Robert Sanchez made his first saves when the Chelsea goalkeeper kept out another Vinicius header and then raised his foot to deny Fulham substitute Saka Lukic, who should have scored from six yards late on. It would have made for a tense finish, but after a difficult start to the season, Chelsea had earned themselves a break. Read More The Premier League now faces a credibility ‘crisis’ – and latest VAR farce is just the tip Jamie Carragher believes VAR at ‘crisis point’ in Premier League Frank Lampard explains why he is ‘not surprised’ by Chelsea’s struggles Mauricio Pochettino’s faith in Mykhailo Mudryk is exactly what Chelsea need Mauricio Pochettino vows to continue to show belief in Chelsea’s young stars Frank Lampard explains why he is ‘not surprised’ by Chelsea’s struggles