UEFA Champions League: Why Copenhagen clash is make-or-break for Manchester United
The 2023-24 UEFA Champions League draw must have had Manchester United fans a bit worried after they were paired in the same group with mighty Bayern Munich.
However, the Red Devils faithful must have also had some optimism of at least finishing second in the group, considering that their other rivals are Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen.
None of that has mattered, though, with Erik ten Hag’s side making a poor start to their Champions League campaign.
Moreover, consider the fact that they picked up zero points from their opening two games, which leaves them in a very precarious position.
Manchester United put up a gallant performance against Bayern at the Allianz Arena, where they lost 4-3, but were terrible at home to Galatasaray. The Turkish side recording their first win m (3-2) on English soil after silencing Old Trafford.
Those two defeats mean the Reds sit at the bottom of Group A of the Champions League ahead of their game against Copenhagen on Tuesday evening.
Make or break game for Red Devils
Of all the teams in Group A, Copenhagen were always going to be the least fancied following the Champions League draw. However, the Danish champions have so far proved to be no pushovers.
Not only did they hold Galatasaray to a 2-2 draw on matchday one, but they also run Bayern close. They were only beaten by a special goal from Jamal Musiala.
It will, therefore, not be an easy game for Manchester United, who need to win to keep their Champions League hopes alive. The game against Copenhagen is a make-or-break.
No matter the result in the other game between Galatasaray and Bayern, Manchester United must ensure that they secure all three points to bolster their chances of qualifying out of the group.
Manchester United’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread
With the Red Devils playing at home, Copenhagen will come into Tuesday’s game as underdogs. However, Ten Hag’s side is currently not playing well.
The team’s disappointing performances is the main reason why they lostf their opening two Champions League games this season and haven’t improved much since.
If anything, last Saturday’s game against Sheffield United was a perfect depiction of Manchester United’s current level – they grind out results rather than convince.
However, their Champions League hopes are now hanging by a thread, and they need to step up against Copenhagen.
"We have to win every game but if you see the group, yeah, if you lose the first two games then definitely you have to win, yeah,” Ten Hag told Manutd.com, ahead of the game.
“First we want to win, to tribute Sir Bobby Charlton but also you want to do that in a certain way and that is what we are aiming for but it is not always possible in football.
He continued:
“Sometimes you don't play that well and you have to find a way to win. I was happy on Saturday we could show tribute by winning but also the way we scored that second goal."
Manchester United have only one job against Copenhagen, and that is to win. Anything less, and their Champions League hopes could be over after just three games.