Manchester United have lost both of their Champions League games so far and Erik ten Hag is aware that his side cannot afford to drop more points if they have any ambitions to take part in the knockout phase.
United have endured a troubling start to the campaign but after back-to-back wins in the Premier League, Ten Hag will be hoping that a corner has been turned.
The Dutchman named his strongest side available to him for the visit of Copenhagen this evening, with Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon replacing Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.
The sad loss of club icon Sir Bobby Charlton has sent the club and its supporters into a state of mourning and Ten Hag has highlighted the importance of honouring Charlton.
United wore black armbands in the win over Sheffield United last weekend and more tributes are expected tonight in the first game at the Theatre of Dreams since his heartbreaking passing.
“Definitely,” he told the BBC when quizzed if beating Copenhagen is the perfect tribute.
“Firstly we want to win and pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton; you always want to do that in a certain way and that is what we are aiming for.
“I was happy Saturday that we could show a tribute with a win but also the way we scored that second goal.
“It’s always special at Old Trafford – every match. The fans are always behind us.
“Remember the last game, the home game against Brentford: even when the game is not going in our direction, they stayed behind us. In difficult moments, moments of adversity around Manchester United, the fans are still with us and we are with the fans. We are fighting together.
“Definitely tomorrow after the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, their hero, the legend, the giant, I’m sure they will be even more emotional, I expect.”
Victory over Copenhagen would but United back on track as they eye a second-place finish, with topping the group already looking a step too far.
United then face a trip to Copenhagen for the reverse fixture and six points could very well set United on their way to adavancement.
