Mike Phelan warns Man Utd not to get distracted by fierce Galatasaray atmosphere

Mike Phelan has warned Manchester United not to get distracted by Galatasaray’s fierce atmosphere or any pre-match hostility 30 years on from his ‘Welcome to Hell’ expertise.

Three losses in 4 Group A matches means defeat in Istanbul on Wednesday evening will finish the Red Devils’ hopes of creating the Champions League knockout part with a recreation to spare.

Galatasaray received final month’s reverse fixture 3-2 at Old Trafford and are certain to make life robust for Erik ten Hag’s guests at what is ready to be a rocking Rams Park.

The encounter brings again recollections of United’s well-known go to to the Turkish giants’ hostile previous floor in November 1993, when Phelan began a wild second spherical second-leg conflict.

“We arrived and they allowed everybody into the airport,” the previous midfielder stated. “There was a fair few there.

“I think they blocked it off with some glass, Perspex, something like that.

“There was a lot of police there, but they were just all shouting, jeering and holding these placards that we’re going to die over there.

“An unusual welcome, put it that way. But there was a lot of intimidation really in the atmosphere at the airport. When we got to the hotel, exactly the same.”

Gary Pallister was a part of the travelling social gathering and remembers the ‘Welcome to Hell’ placards, in addition to the intimidation extending to their plush resort.

“I was walking past this bellboy, he’s pushing one of the trolley things that you hang your suit on and carries suitcases,” Pallister stated.

“As I’m walking past him, I just went ‘afternoon’ or whatever and he just went like that (makes a slit throat gesture) and I just carried on walking.

“I was like ‘wow, this is a bit different’. But I mean that’s what we faced most of the trip I would suggest.”

The air of intimidation continued all through a visit that resulted in United’s Champions League exit, with a 3-3 draw at Old Trafford adopted by a 0-0 on the rickety Ali Sami Yen Stadium.

Eric Cantona was despatched off in the direction of the conclusion of a recreation that ended with the ahead and Bryan Robson livid at having been attacked as they left the sector.

United have made two much less chaotic Champions League visits to Galatasaray since then and Phelan says cool heads are required in what is a large recreation for each groups.

“Just play the game,” Phelan stated. “The best place to be is on the pitch.

“Off the pitch is where frustrations are but on the pitch you are in control.

“On the pitch it is up to what you do, not necessarily what Galatasaray do. It’s what you do.

“What is your game plan? Can you execute your game plan? Have you got the confidence to go there to get the result that you need?

“Can your big players turn up? Because you need your big players. In big games and occasions, you need your big players.

“I think you’ve got to control the game because you can’t control the atmosphere.

“You might be able to, in a little way, if your retention of the ball is good and you’re not making mistakes, then you control the game, control the ball, and that can silence the crowd – don’t encourage the crowd.”

Victory on Wednesday can be United’s most essential Champions League away win since their beautiful 3-1 final 16 second-leg triumph at Paris St Germain in 2019.

Phelan was assistant to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer again then and says they simply want to maintain the mentality that “it’s a game of football”.

“Galatasaray are in a fantastic position, being at home and knowing they can go through with a win, so their team talk will be slightly different to United’s,” he stated.

“But United know the task ahead – they have to win two games. But you can only play one at a time, so win the first one, then take up the challenge of playing Bayern.”