Mancheser United’s only route for Champions League progression explained after penultimate matchday in Group A

Manchester United's players stand ahead of the UEFA Champions League 1st round, day 5, Group A football match between Galatasaray and Manchester United at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi in Istanbul, on November 29, 2023. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP) (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United’s chances of progressing to the knockouts of the Champions League are now a distant hope, with their fate now entirely out of their hands following matchday five’s affairs.

The Red Devils claimed just one point from their tightly contested, drama-filled clash with Galatasaray at Rams Park, squandering a two-goal lead to eventually draw 3-3 in Istanbul.

United’s European exit could’ve been wrapped up by 10pm the same evening had Copenhagen managed to overturn the already-qualified Bayern Munich away from home, however, the contest surprisingly ended a stalemate between the two sides.

How United can qualify for the last 16

Now, Erik ten Hag’s side’s only chance of qualification lies on them beating Bayern at Old Trafford on December 12, with the Bundesliga giants currently boasting a 39-game unbeaten streak in the group stages of the competition, meaning the Reds will enter the tie as the underdogs despite holding the home advantage.

Even with a victory on the final matchday, United can only make the last 16 if Copenhagen draw at home to Galatasaray. A win from either side would see them finish in second place.

A third-placed finish for United means they drop down to the Europa League while finishing last – where they are currently – sees their European action end altogether before Christmas.

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