Why Bayern Munich winning Group A is good news for Manchester United
It’s amazing what a single win can do for a team in the UEFA Champions League, and, in Manchester United’s case, their victory over Copenhagen has changed the dynamics of Group A. After starting off their European campaign with back-to-back defeats to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray, all it took was one win to get their chances of reaching the knockout stages back on track.
The Red Devils were involved in a must-win game against Copenhagen on Tuesday (24 October). Although they didn’t impress, they did just enough to secure all three points. A towering header from Harry Maguire with 18 minutes left on the clock was the difference, while Andre Onana’s late penalty save made sure the scoreline remained the same.
Bayern Munich's dominance ensures Manchester United’s benefit
Meanwhile, Manchester United and their fans would’ve been excited by Bayern’s dominance of the group. This is because the more points the Bavarians come out with within the group, the more chances for the Red Devils to qualify.
After picking up zero points from their opening two Champions League matches, Erik ten Hag’s side effectively ruled themselves out of finishing at the top of their group. But second place is firmly within their reach, although they have to slog it out with Galatasaray for that slot and must first conjure wins away from home in Denmark and Turkey.
Manchester United have their destiny in their own hands, and all they need to do now is win their next two Champions League games against Copenhagen and Galatasaray, and they will seal qualification even before they face Bayern on the last matchday.
Bayern Munich to win Group A
As Manchester United were taking care of the Danish giants, Bayern were also getting the better of Galatasaray in the other group fixture. The Bavarians were outplayed for large spells in Istanbul, but their experience ultimately showed as they came out 3-1 winners against the hosts. This means Bayern have won all three of their group matches thus far and are now on nine points, which all but guarantees them finishing at the top of Group A.
The German champions may not be at their best at the moment, but they’ve so far made light work of their Champions League opponents and are expected to come out on top in the group stage. Not many expected Group A to turn out differently, anyway. Bayern were favorites to win the group right after the draw was made, and they’re living up to that billing.