Featured Image Credit: Getty / X/Twitter
Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Galatasaray, Champions League
Ryan Smart
Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Galatasaray, Champions League
Manchester United's Champions League clash against Galatasaray on Wednesday could be under threat due to adverse weather conditions in Istanbul.
The Recep Tayyip Erdogan Stadium hosted the UEFA Youth League between the two teams on Wednesday morning, but the pitch was heavily waterlogged.
Although this evening's Champions League fixture will take place at the nearby Rams Park, which hosts the senior team's domestic and European matches, footage has raised concern over whether the game will go ahead.
ESPN reporter Rob Dawson posted to X (Twitter): "UEFA saying, as things stand, the game is going ahead.
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"But there are big patches of standing water in front of the benches and the officials who have been out rolling a ball on the surface didn't seem too impressed."
Should UEFA decide to postpone the game, there are a strict number of options that can be utilised in order to play the fixture.
UEFA regulations read: "If the match cannot commence for whatever reason (e.g.: condition of the field of play), it must be played either the next day or on a reserve date or other date set by the UEFA administration.
"A decision must be taken within two hours of the decision to cancel the match, in consultation with the two clubs and the associations concerned.
"In case of dispute, the UEFA administration fixes the date and kick-off time of the match. Its decision is final."
As a result, therefore, it appears likely that Galatasaray and United would play the fixture on Thursday if the match was postponed - although that would depend on the weather relenting in Istanbul.
Met Office forecasts currently show heavy showers for the city throughout the evening and up until 4am on Thursday, although the weather will be dry after that.
A Thursday fixture would cause a headache for the Premier League, with Erik ten Hag's side due to take on Newcastle at St James' Park on Saturday at 8pm.