London (AFP) – Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer conceded his side cannot afford another off night against Istanbul Basaksehir if they are to reach the Champions League last 16.
United got off to a brilliant start in Group H with wins over two of last season’s Champions League semi-finalists, Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.
However, a 2-1 defeat in Turkey three weeks ago has put the pressure back on when Basaksehir travel to Old Trafford on Tuesday.
United still lead the group on six points, alongside Leipzig, with PSG and Basaksehir three points back.
“We need at least 10 points to go through, maybe even likely that you have to have 12 points,” Solskjaer said at his pre-match press conference.
“We’re going to go into this game trying to win it, of course, and try to win it well with a good performance because we’ve got games coming thick and fast.
“Getting to 10 points as quickly as you can was the main point but that defeat was a big blow.”
Solskjaer is hoping to have Paul Pogba back available after the French midfielder missed Saturday’s unconvincing 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.
Luke Shaw, Phil Jones and Jesse Lingard will miss out, while Solskjaer did not rule out handing Dean Henderson another Champions League start in goal ahead of David de Gea.
200+ Channels With Sports & News
- Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
- Watch Premier League, Women’s World Cup, Euro 2024 & Gold Cup
The New Home of MLS
- Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
- Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
- Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, Championship, & FA Cup
2,000+ soccer games per year
- Price: $5.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & Brasileirāo
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
- Starting price: $5.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
- Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season