November 30th 2023.
Hakim Ziyech's goal in the Champions League match between Galatasaray and Manchester United should not have counted. According to the set of rules by the IFAB regarding free kicks, all attacking players must remain at least one metre from the defending team's four-man wall before the ball is in play.
However, this rule was not followed as Galatasaray forward Mauro Icardi was clearly closer than one metre to United's four-man wall when Ziyech struck the ball. As a result, the goal should not have been allowed and Manchester United were wronged.
The match eventually ended in a 3-3 draw, which leaves United in need of a win against Bayern Munich in their final group game to stand any chance of reaching the Champions League knockout phase.
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, commented on the incident after the match. He said that Onana, their goalkeeper, was not solely to blame for the goal and that it was a team effort. He also said that the team has to learn from the incident and manage the game better when they are in a lead. He concluded by saying that his team must do better when it comes to conceding goals as it is unnecessary and avoidable.
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