Remember when Manchester United welcomed Galatasaray to Old Trafford and...

Tonight sees Manchester United take on Galatasaray at Old Trafford and the monumental game those two played way back in October 1993 is always a joy to look back on in terms of its dramatic twists and turns.

Manchester United had scraped past Hungarian side Kispest Honved 5-3 on aggregate in the first round but they got off to a flyer against the Turkish side when Bryan Robson put them into a 1-0 lead just three minutes into the game.

And from there it seemed it would be a trademark United victory after an own goal by the legendary Hakan Sukur gave them a 2-0 advantage. The Turkish side were written off after scraping past Irish side Cork City in the previous round but at two goals down the Istanbul club was suddenly galvanised.

A team that contained future Blackburn star Tugay then went on a rampant shooting spree at Peter Schmeichel’s goal taking a 3-2 lead before Eric Cantona scored a late equaliser to save their blushes.

The really astonishing thing about the game was the atmosphere, not only from the home fans but also the travelling Turkish fans who were raucously in support of their team from start to finish, with quite astonishing scenes in the away end.

Of course United were then infamously ‘welcomed to hell’ in the return leg at the Ali Sami Yen and dumped out of Europe in a goalless draw.

Again a hugely vociferous travelling support will be present at the Theatre of Dreams as they attempt to turn it into the Theatre of Nightmares once again.

Although United fans will also be quick to remind you that the following season they defeated Galatasaray 4-0 at the same venue.

Either way when United face off against Turkish opposition it is always explosive and entertaining to watch.

image: © crystiancruz