Manchester United’s crucial Champions League clash against Galatasaray was subject to a pitch inspection after hours of torrential rain in Istanbul left the match in danger of being postponed.
Uefa officials were forced to examine the surface RAMS Park after thunderous downpours on Wednesday afternoon and officials will continue to closely monitor tonight’s weather forecast for further rain.
The Uefa Youth League match between Galatasaray and United, held earlier in the day and at a different stadium, was played during the torrential rain, which left the pitch sodden and the ball holding up on the surface.
There is still time for conditions to improve ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash but there is also the prospect of further rain and the pitch becoming completely waterlogged.
For now, Uefa are insistent that the match will go ahead and preparations are continuing as usual, but the conditions could still play a part on what is an important night in United’s season.
A statement from Uefa on Wednesday afternoon said: “We are closely monintoring the weather forecast and at this stage the match will go ahead as scheduled.”
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and his players inspect the pitch in Istanbul— (PA Wire)
United cannot afford to lose in Turkey and will be out of the Champions League if they are beaten by Galatasaray, who won 3-2 at Old Trafford earlier this season.
Erik ten Hag’s side come into the match having shown some improved form, however. United have won their last three games in the Premier League and last suffered defeat when they were beaten 4-3 by Copenhagen following Marcus Rashford’s red card.
United conclude their Champions League group stage campaign against Bayern Munich on matchday six, with the German side currently top of Group A with four wins from four.
