Manchester United will lock horns against Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich in their opening 2023-24 UEFA Champions League match. The fixture will be taking place on Wednesday at the German Champions’ home ground, Allianz Arena.
Bayern Munich and Manchester United have drawn in the Group A of the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League alongside the likes of Danish Superliga champions, Copenhagen and Turkish Super Lig winners, Galatasaray. Moreover, Group A has been seen as a group of upsets, considering the current forms of all the clubs.
Bayern Munich were sailing comfortably on a series of consecutive wins in the Bundesliga before they played a 2-2 draw against Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. Former Tottenham Hotspur attacker, Harry Kane has been working as the main goal scorer for the side since he arrived in Germany, scoring four goals.
On the other hand, Manchester United is currently going through a difficult time due to an ongoing injury crisis at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag had to complete the signing of Sergio Reguilon on loan from Tottenham in the last few days of the summer transfer window because of Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Tyrell Malacia being injured. As a result of unsatisfactory performances, the Red Devils are currently on the 13th spot in the Premier League table.
Current Form
Bayern Munich’s new season started with a 3-0 loss against RB Leipzig in the final of the DFL Supercup. However, they have managed to get on the track in the Bundesliga. They thrashed SV Werder Bremen 4-0 in their season opener and also continued their momentum against Augsburg with a 3-1 win.
Thomas Tuchel’s men later played Borussia Mönchengladbach in a 2-1 victory at Borussia Park before they shared points for the first time in the new season. Bayern is currently in the second spot in the table, behind Bayer Leverkusen, who played a 2-2 draw against them last week.
Manchester United started their season against Wolves, where they managed to secure a narrow 1-0 win at Old Trafford with the help of a goal from Raphael Varane. In the next match, they faced Tottenham Hotspur, where the Red Devils suffered their first defeat of the season by 2-0. Adding to the agony, Lisandro Martínez scored an own goal against the North London club.
They then faced Nottingham Forest, where they conceded two early goals in just the four initial minutes of the game. However, the Old Trafford outfit managed to secure the win with the help of a comeback flamed by the goals from Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, and Casemiro.
Since then, United have suffered two consecutive defeats in the tournament against the likes of Arsenal and Brighton. Hence, Erik ten Hag’s men are currently in the 13th spot on the Premier League table, before they visit Allianz Arena to square off against Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich.
Head to Head Record
Manchester United and Bayern Munich are among the most successful European clubs in the world of football. However, the Bavarians have the upper hand in the glorious rivalry. The two sides have locked horns against each other for a total of 11 times.
Bayern has recorded four wins while United has managed to walk out victorious on only two occasions. Consequently, five matches between the two European Giants have ended in a draw.
The last meeting between the two sides took place in the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, where the Red Devils suffered a 4-2 aggregate loss against the six-time European champions.
Team News
Bayern Munich’s veteran goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer is currently out of action since the 2022 FIFA World Cup after he fractured his right leg while skiing during holidays. He returned to training but he suffered a new calf injury. Hence, Sven Ulreich has taken his place as Neuer’s return date is still under a question mark.
Raphaël Guerreiro and Kingsley Coman are also out due to injuries and Fitness concerns. Hence, Thomas Tuchel can potentially play the same starting XI in Bayern’s UCL opener, that he had against Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen in Bundesliga.
Rasmus Højlund is set for his Manchester United debut in UCL despite injury concerns
On the flip side, Manchester United has a whole list of injuries on their sinking ship. Rasmus Højlund made his comeback for the Red Devils while Antony was dropped by the club until further notice following assault allegations by his partner. In addition to that, Jadon Sancho has also been suspended by the United Board.
Taking a look at the injuries, the list includes the names of Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Raphael Varane, Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat, Amad Diallo, Tom Heaton, and Kobbie Mainoo. Hence, Erik ten Hag has a lot on his plate and will have to challenge the status quo of Bayern despite the injury concerns.
Predicted XIs
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Sven Ulreich, Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-Jae, Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sane, Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry, Harry Kane
Manchester United (4-1-2-1-2): Andre Onana, Sergio Reguilon, Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelöf, Lisandro Martínez, Casemiro, Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Højlund, Marcus Rashford
Prediction
Bayern Munich as well as Manchester United, both sides are currently suffering from significant injury concerns. However, the Red Devils’ current form is a major reason to worry for Erik ten Hag and the home advantage would surely boost the German side.