Erik ten Hag has urged his players to remain calm in Istanbul (Picture: Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag has told his Manchester United players that they must control their emotions and remain calm in the spicy atmosphere at Galatasaray on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils face a crunch Champions League game in Istanbul this week as they sit bottom of their group with just two games to play.
They are not out of contention yet, though, and a win in Turkey will likely put them in a decent position to qualify, while a draw would also keep their hopes alive.
Galatasaray is famously an intimidating place to go, especially in an all-important game, but Ten Hag has reminded his players that they must be sensible and cool-headed in the red hot atmosphere.
‘You have to stay calm in your head and don’t get too emotional,’ said the Dutchman. ‘Control emotion, don’t give them anything. The referee as well, don’t give them a moment they can take.
‘So you have to stay away from such moments. You have to make it your game. It is not that important how the opponent is playing, it is how we are playing.
‘We have had some very hostile games away from home and played very well, calm and composed. Manchester United has a great history. We have to make it our game.’
The Rams Global Stadium is going to produce a fiery atmosphere (Picture: Getty Images)
Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes said the chance to take on the challenge of both the Turkish side and their home fans is something he is relishing.
‘I think when you are a kid you want to play in these kind of atmospheres,’ said Fernandes. ‘You know that Galatasaray away is going to be great, an amazing atmosphere.
‘As a player, I love playing these games. I know it’s going to come against you, but it has to be a big boost playing in stadiums with a crowd like that.’
Defeat for Manchester United, which they suffered at Old Trafford against Galatasaray, would mean they are out of the Champions League at the first hurdle, with a game to spare at home against Bayern Munich.
MORE : Manchester United could replace Sofyan Amrabat already with club targeting FOUR signings in January
MORE : Pep Guardiola reacts to rollercoaster Manchester City win over RB Leipzig
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.