Galatasaray's first goal against Man Utd 'should not have stood' due to little-known rule

Galatasaray's first goal against Manchester United reportedly 'should not have stood' due to a little-known rule.

The Red Devils Champions League qualification hopes took a major hit on Wednesday as they drew 3-3 with the Turkish giants in an enthralling contest.

Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring for Erik ten Hag's side before Bruno Fernandes doubled their advantage with a stunning long-range strike.

Hakim Ziyech soon dampened United's spirits with a curling free-kick which beat Andre Onana between the sticks.

However, the goal should not have counted, according to beIN Sports, who claim that all attacking players must remain at least one metre from the wall until the ball is in play.

Galatasaray had two players hovering around the wall and were reportedly stood just 61 centimetres away, meaning Ziyech's goal should have been disallowed.

If three or more defending players form a wall... all attacking players must remain at least one metre from the wall until the ball is in play.

GALATASARAY'S GOAL SHOULD NOT HAVE STOOD! #beINUCL #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Wj4wJjz03r

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) November 29, 2023

Scott McTominay went on to restore United's two-goal buffer in the second-half, only for Ziyech to beat Onana with yet another free-kick.

Karem Akturkoglu then completed the comeback to plunge United into troubled waters.

But had Ziyech's first goal been chalked off, it would have had a major bearing on United's position in Group A.

United must now to beat Bayern Munich at Old Trafford and pray other results go in their favour in order stand a chance of reaching the knockout stages.