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Man Utd fans in Istanbul: Full matchday guide to Sukru Saracoglu Stadium

On Thursday, 24 October, Man Utd will take on Fenerbahce in the Europa League. The match will be played in Istanbul at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, a venue that Man Utd have played at twice in the past.

The Red Devil's record in Istanbul isn't great and last year, they played out a 3-3 draw with Galatasaray across the city at RAMS Park. Despite that, it's expected that there will be thousands of Man Utd fans in Turkey next week for the clash.

Man Utd fans in Istanbul
This is the third time that Man Utd will have played at this stadium – Photo by Imago

How many Man Utd fans are going to Istanbul?

Man Utd were originally given a ticket allocation of 2,251 tickets for the match but this has since been increased to 2,388. All of these match tickets have been sold which means there will be close to 2,500 Man Utd fans in Istanbul next week as a bare minimum.

Given that it was only last season that United played in the city when they took on Galatasaray in the Champions League and the fact that Istanbul isn't an easy, quick or cheap place to get to, it isn't anticipated that there will be too many fans travelling without tickets.

Where will Man Utd fans sit at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium?

The away section at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium is located on the left-hand side of the Kuzey Stand, behind of the goals at the stadium. The stand is shared between away supporters and home supporters with the away end wrapping around the corner slightly to the Maraton Stand.

Man Utd fans will be located across two tiers in the Kuzey Stand with fans entering via blocks, F, G and H for the upper tier and N, O and P for the lower tier. The last time they played here, they were only allocated the upper tier.

Although the stadium is all-seated, Man Utd fans will more than likely be stood throughout the match as will the home fans that share the stand with them. Segregation between both sets of supporters is expected to be heavy due to how ferocious things can get at Fenerbahce matches.

Full fans’ matchday guide for Fenerbahce vs Man Utd

Where to eat & drink for Man Utd fans in Istanbul

Taksim Square is one of the most popular drinking spots in Istanbul and given that it is known for being an area in the city that is predominantly for Galatasaray supporters, Man Utd fans may well be welcomed in given that they are taking on their bitter rivals.

Generally speaking though, as long as you aren't wearing colours or scarves and aren't making yourself known, then you will be able to have an enjoyable time throughout the city.

If you want to play it safe, though, then avoid the Kadikoy district on the Asian side of Istanbul up until kick-off as this is where Fenerbahce fans usually gather.

Three bar recommendations in Istanbul for Manchester United fans:

  • Corner Irish Pub – Asmalı Mescit Meşrutiyet Cd. No:11/A Galatasaray, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
  • The United Pub – Sinanpaşa, Şht. Asım Cd. No:26, 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
  • Red River Pub – Hoca Paşa, Hüdavendigar Cd. No:44, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul

How to get to Sukru Saracoglu Stadium: Guide for Man Utd fans in Istanbul

Assuming you're starting on the European side of Istanbul then the best way to travel to the stadium is to take the ferry across to the Kadikoy Terminal. You will get great views of the city and the stadium is then just a 20-minute walk away.

Alternatively, you can use the city's metro system to get to Kadikay Metro. From here, the stadium is a 15-minute walk away. Metro stations are located throughout the city.

Avatar of Andy Delaney

Andy Delaney

Andy is a freelance sports writer with ten years of experience covering major sporting events across Europe. He has also been a season ticket holder at Old Trafford since 2008 and has visited over 40 football stadiums in the United Kingdom and abroad following the Reds.

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