Galatasaray have plans for United battle

The Turkish side have closely analysed Erik ten Hag's team and Buruk feels the former Red in his ranks, Zaha, can be a key contributor on the night.

Referencing the fact that the hosts will be without three specialist left-backs, in Sergio Reguilon, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, the visitors' boss believes his charges can pull off a result that would put them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages, despite their opening 2-2 draw with FC Copenhagen at home.

However, he appreciates the need to nullify the threat of Marcus Rashford, pinpointed as the main attacking weapon deployed by United.

"It is a very important match for both us and Manchester United," said Buruk. "Until now, our goal as Galatasaray is to achieve success in Europe, which is in Galatasaray's genes. We want to continue this. Our players are ready, we are ready. We can use our good performance in the [Turkish] league in the Champions League.

"We know that we will play against a very good team, even though they are seen as unsuccessful in the eyes of some people. They have an important team. It is an important away game. We think our opponent will do everything to win. We will try to be ready for this with our plans. Our goal is, of course, to win here.

"We played the match two days ago [a 2-1 win against Ankaragucu]. We don't have much training time. We trained in Istanbul and came back. We worked out our plan for the match there. We have our thoughts based on the pros and cons of the opponent. Our opponent does not have an original left-back. We do not know what they will use there. It is our own game. We made a plan based on our team and our players. We will try to implement it on the field."

The Galatasaray manager added: "Manchester [United] has Rashford in transitions and all game actions. They are trying to find Rashford a lot, one-on-one during the game. This will be an important match for Sacha [Boey] as well. We expect contribution from Sacha, not only defensively but also offensively.

"We will want Sacha to play offensively as he did in previous matches. This will be an offensive and defensive test for both Galatasaray and Sacha.

"We analysed many matches. After combining this with our own game, our clearer plan will emerge on the field tomorrow. Wilfried is the player who knows Manchester most closely. His on-field performance, the individual game he will give to both us and his friends, his responsibility, and his knowledge of the league, will all make a positive contribution."

Zaha, who scored a cracking goal against Ankaragucu last time out, said he would have no issues dealing with the Old Trafford crowd as he appeared to indicate his United past does not even enter his mind.

"You know that I have been at Manchester United before and played there a long time ago," he told journalists. "This was 10 years ago. I am now 30 years old. I think I have matured as a player.

"I don't know if you've watched Galatasaray matches before but we play in the loudest stadium in the world. When I talk to my friends, I don't talk about Manchester United but about what we can do as a team, how we can dominate them with our own game. This  is what we want to do against Manchester United."