Manchester United
Reuters

Manchester United welcome Turkish champions Galatasaray to Old Trafford to kick off their group stage encounters in this season's UEFA Champions League.

Where to Watch (all times BST):

Kick-off is set for 7:45 pm. Live coverage will be available from 7 pm onwards on Sky Sports 4 and Sky Sports 4 HD. Live text updates and commentary will be available on UEFA's MatchCentre.

Overview:

Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking for an improvement on last season's campaign, which saw the Red Devils make an early exit after failing to qualify from the group stage. United made two major signings in the summer - striker Robin van Persie and playmaker Shinji Kagawa - and both are capable of proving vital pegs in the club's European journey.

United are heading into this fixture on the back of an impressive domestic run. They recovered from a surprising 0-1 defeat to Everton on the opening day to record consecutive wins over Fulham, Southampton and Wigan Athletic and are second in the league table - just a point behind leaders Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray are making their first Champions League appearance since the 2006/07 season. However, the Istanbul outfit has loads of experience in Europe and will surely try their best to make life difficult for their English opponents. Fatih Terim's side are also in fine form in their domestic games and on top of the Turkish league table.

United do not have the best of records against Turkish teams and have lost twice at home to Eurasians in the recent past. However, Galatasaray have never won in England, having drawn three and lost four in their previous seven attempts. The two sides met in the 1994/95 group stage, when a 0-0 draw in Istanbul was followed by a 4-0 home victory for the Red Devils, which featured David Beckham's first United goal.

Team Form:

Manchester United

  • Last four (most recent first): W W W L
  • Last Result: Manchester United 4-0 Wigan Atheletic

Galatasaray

  • Last four (most recent first): W W D W
  • Last Result: Antalyaspor 0-4 Galatasaray
Manchester United
Reuters

Team News:

Manchester United: Ferguson has been facing some injury problems since the start of the season and the Scot will again not have the luxury of a full strength squad. Wayne Rooney continues his recovery from the gash he suffered three weeks ago, while winger Ashley Young has not recovered from a knee injury that kept him out of the last few matches. Defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones also remain sidelined and wing back Patrice Evra continues his recovery from a knock. However, centre back Jonny Evans is fully fit.

The back four is likely to be the same that played Wigan. The quartet of Rafael, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Alexander Buttner had a good outing against the Latics and will continue against the Turks. Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick are expected to hold the midfield, while Tom Cleverley and Anderson also remain options for Ferguson. With Young out, Antonia Valencia and Nani are both sure bets for the wing roles. van Persie will lead the attack, with Kagwa playing in the hole behind him.

Galatasaray: Terim will be without the services of veteran Czech defender Tomas Ujfalusi, who will probably miss the remainder of the season after damaging his cruciate ligament. Former Arsenal wing-back Emmanuel Eboue and ex-Bolton Wanderers forward Johan Elmander should start for Gala.

Probable Line-ups:

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Lindegaard; Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Buttner; Carrick, Scholes; Valencia, Kagawa, Nani; van Persie

Galatasaray (4-3-3): Muslera; Eboue, Cris, Kaya, Balta; Melo, Inan, A Yilmaz; B Yilmaz, Elmander, Amrabat

Manchester United FC Wayne Rooney