Manchester United have two defeats from as many games in the Champions League. The big question is can the Reds progress from the group stages and into the last 16?
The Champions League returns after the October international break and Manchester United will be welcoming FC Copenhagen to Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
Any hopes Manchester United have of making the last 16 rest on winning this game before going to Copenhagen and, hopefully, getting another positive result. The Danish outfit have not won a game in their past eight Champions League group stage outings, but at least they’ve been competitive in Europe this season.
Copenhagen were 2-0 ahead in Turkey on match day one after an hour – only to be left stunned after conceding two goals inside the final five minutes against Galatasaray, who took three points from United at Old Trafford. They also ran Bayern Munich close before conceding a decisive goal in the 83rd minute.
It should go without saying that United can no underestimate Copenhagen – or any opponent for that matter. They have trailed for just seven minutes across their two games in the Champions League and United haven’t performed well this season.
The visitors have drawn five games in 13 previous meetings with England sides, winning once and losing seven. United will need to beat them again on their travels to have any chance of reaching the knockout phase of the Champions League. It’s possible and our destiny is very much in our own hands.
United will also need to beat Galatasaray away from home and hope that Bayern beat the Turkish giants home and away.
Speaking about Copenhagen ahead of the game, Ten Hag told reporters: “We have to win every game, if you lose the first two games, you definitely have to win.”
Manchester United doing it the hard way
The Reds are favourites to get a positive result against Copenhagen on Tuesday night.
Manchester United’s pursuit of glory this season has been a testament to their resilience and determination. Manchester United, facing an uphill battle this season, seems to be doing it the hard way as they aim to regain their top-rated position in the Premier League, much like the odds one might find at top rated online casinos in the UK. Whether it’s battling injuries, overcoming deficits, or proving their mettle on the field, Manchester United is truly doing it the hard way,
showcasing their commitment to achieving success in the face of adversity.
United and Copenhagen last met in the Champions League back in 2006/07 – with Sir Alex Ferguson’s winning 3-0 at home but losing 1-0 in Denmark. However, they met again in the quarter-finals of the Europa League back in 2020.
I fancy United to beat Copenhagen twice – home and away – but I have my concerns about Galatasaray. It may suit Erik ten Hag’s side that it will be a must win encounter, without any room for competence.
So, in turn, yes, I believe United can reach the knockout phase of the Champions League. But it means winning our next three matches with a point possibly needed in the fourth and final fixture of the group stage at home to Bayern Munich.