Why Manuel Neuer was Man Utd’s unlikely hero as he keeps them in Champions League after Galatasaray nightmare

MANUEL NEUER was Manchester United’s unlikely hero as he kept them in the Champions League – for now.

United twice led Galatasaray, where they needed a win to keep their qualification hopes alive.

EPA

Manuel Neuer was Manchester United’s unlikely hero as he kept them in the Champions League[/caption]

But twice they were pegged back in what ended in a six-goal 3-3 thriller in Istanbul.

It left them rock bottom of the group and needing Copenhagen to avoid victory at the home of German champions Bayern Munich.

But Bayern – who already progressed top of the table – almost suffered a shock loss in the dying embers of the match.

Mohamed Elyounoussi’s towering header forced the German No1 to get down low to his left side.

And he did excellently well to then save the rebound effort and help Bayern clear the ball to safety.

It means United still have a glimmer of hope in qualification when Thomas Tuchel’s side travel to Old Trafford.

They will need a win and for Copenhagen and Galatasaray to draw in order to progress to the knockout stages.

So with United’s chances just about alive, fans were quick to thank stopper Neuer for his heroics.

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One said: “Thank you Neuer for keeping United in the CL.”

Another added: “Thank you Neuer.”

One hailed: “He saved United.”

Reuters

Man Utd face being dumped out of the Champions League[/caption]