Manchester United start their new 2023-24 Champions League campaign under Erik ten Hag’s guidance with a high-profile Group A match against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.
Taking a look at their opponents, they have begun their quest to secure a 12th consecutive Bundesliga title in impressive fashion.
Harry Kane has been performing exceptionally well since joining Germany, helping Bayern secure three consecutive league victories with a total score of 9-2. This success had them tied for the top spot in the league before the international break.
However, their perfect league record was disrupted when Bayer Leverkusen, led by Xabi Alonso, managed to hold them to an exciting 2-2 draw in a highly anticipated match over the weekend.
Must Read: Hannibal Mejbri should be playing more often after another impactful performance
Kane, who scored the opening goal in that game, is eager to increase his goal tally for the German giants as they prepare to face Man United.
A busy week for Erik's Reds awaits 🗓️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 18, 2023
The Red Devils are looking to bounce back after a disappointing weekend. They suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion, which marked their third loss in the first five Premier League matches of the season.
Facing Bayern is a challenging task, especially considering recent off-field controversies involving their star winger, Antony. United cannot afford another humiliating defeat in Munich as they seek redemption.
Meanwhile, the Bavarians have reason to be optimistic, as they have an impressive track record at this stage of the competition.
They have triumphed in their last 25 home games during the Champions League group phase, with three victories in the 2022-23 season alone, totalling a score of 9-0.
Also Read: Three mistakes Erik ten Hag made in Man United’s shocking loss to Brighton
Furthermore, Thomas Tuchel’s team remains undefeated in their previous 34 matches in the Champions League group stage, securing 31 wins and four draws. This streak augurs well for the German manager as he aims to extend his personal record against United.
Bayern Munich vs. Manchester United: Head-to-head
Thomas Tuchel has a solid record when it comes to managing against United on his home turf, with three wins and two draws to his name. The visitors’ ongoing struggles away from Old Trafford only add to his confidence.
Ten Hag side’s difficulties in away matches have persisted from last season into the new campaign, with only 36% of their Premier League points coming from away games last year.
Also Read: Manchester United monitoring RB Salzburg midfielder Oscar Gloukh
In the current season, they’ve already lost both of their away matches, suffering defeats to rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, and on both occasions, they lost by a two-goal margin.
Their struggles in this regard extend back to 2001, with their only group-stage encounter against Bayern Munich in the 21st century resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Bayern Munich vs. Manchester United: Team News
Bayern will be missing Manuel Neuer and Raphael Guerreiro due to injuries, and Kingsley Coman is also unavailable.
The boss has provided an update on the fitness of our squad…#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 17, 2023
United faces a more significant absentee list, with Antony and Jadon Sancho suspended, and Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, and Mason Mount dealing with injuries.
Bayern Munich vs. Manchester United: Possible Starting Line-ups
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Sven Ulrich; Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Konrad Laimer; Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka; Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry; Harry Kane.
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Andre Onana; Sergio Reguilon, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka; Casemiro, Scott McTominay; Christian Eriksen, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes; Rasmus Hojlund.
Our Final Scoreline: Bayern Munich 3-1 Manchester United
The Red Devils are facing a challenging situation, and playing against Bayern under these circumstances is far from ideal.
We believe that the German champions are likely to make things even more difficult for United, giving their Ten Hag more to ponder.
