Opinion: That’s how United should play

I think it is worth pointing out that, just as it is irrefutably true some media will inevitably train most of their focus on the negatives of any performance, there is also clearly a danger that club channels can be too positive.

However, when the sixth goal went in at RAMS Park, the play become so end to end and absorbing, the Turkish journalists beside me were pointing out that this was a classic unfolding below us. It was an absorbing game of football, one you could not take your eyes off, and was top-notch, high-octane entertainment which, if nothing else, must have been fun for any neutrals.

Of course, it felt far from fun at the final whistle, even if Galatasaray’s supporters didn’t hail the result as loudly as I’d anticipated, perhaps realising they still have a big job on their hands against FC Copenhagen to qualify.

Yet there was a sense of some satisfaction about the way United played, the bravery Erik ten Hag referenced in his post-match interview we did for MUTV. I don’t know why but there was something almost nostalgic and heartening to hear the closing stages of this thriller unfolding to the backdrop of the chants of ‘United’ from the away section, rather than the ear-splitting whistling of the home fans.