The Champions League-Game against Bayern Munich is for Manchester United’s Coach Erik ten Hag a game of fate. He could with the “Red Devils” move into the round of 16, but also finish last in the group. The latter would reduce the pressure on the Coach increase immensely.
Anyone who hears Erik ten Hag talk like that doesn’t really know whether he’s dealing with excessive self-confidence, sugar-coating or with slogans for perseverance. The Dutch coach of Manchester United Despite the poor starting position, is convinced that England’s record football champions will reach the round of 16 in the home game against FC Bayern Munich Champions League can still be achieved.
“We can beat anyone”
“I know that my team can play at the highest level. If we have the right spirit, we can beat any opponent”said the Dutchman before the game on Tuesday (from 9 p.m. in the audio report and in the live ticker at sportschau.de) in the stadium Old Trafford. Ten Hag has to say this, he is the manager of Manchester United after all.
There’s a threat of fourth place in the group
However, demands and reality are very far apart there. While the still unbeaten Bayern have already been confirmed as first place in Group A and a participant in the round of 16 before the last matchday Man United Bottom of the table with four points.
FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray Istanbul each have five points in their account before their direct duel. With a win against Bayern and a draw between Copenhagen and Galatasaray, Manchester United would still move up to second place and thus reach the knockout phase of the premier class. In the event of a defeat, the team would miss third place and thus the consolation prize of participation in the Europa League. “We are positive. We know what we have to do: we have to win to stay in Europe”said ten Hag. In short: Manchester United is doomed to win. So far there has only been a meager 1-0 home win against Copenhagen in the premier class.
Sports show Champions League Live, December 12th, 2023 8:50 p.m
Sixth in the Premier League
Also in English Premier League it’s not going smoothly. After an interim high of three wins in a row without conceding a goal, two of the last three games were lost again. Just last weekend there was a clear 0-3 home defeat against them AFC Bournemouth.
United are currently in sixth place. They are already four points short of fourth place, which would entitle them to take part in the Champions League again. And next weekend we’re off to the prestigious duel at FC Liverpool. He is where Manchester would like to be – at the top of the table. Distance: ten points.
Unstable defense
A big problem for Manchester is the unstable defense. Ten Hag’s team conceded 14 goals in five group games. The coach sees the main problem in the many forced changes due to injuries and illnesses. The automatisms in defense suffered as a result. In the league, the team is sixth and has a negative goal difference of 18:21. So things don’t really work on offense either.
Against Bayern, Man United will have to do without central defender Lisandro Martinez and defensive specialist Casemiro as well as Mason Mount, among others. There is a question mark behind defender Victor Lindelöf.
Ten Hag relies on the fans. “Old Trafford is not a pleasant place for opponents”said the Dutchman. His “Red Devils” would do anything to please the fans “electrify”he added, and to make it as difficult as possible for the guests.
“I don’t think in negative scenarios”
He doesn’t waste any thought on the likely end in Europe. “I don’t think in negative scenarios”said the 53-year-old. He probably has to do that even after eleven defeats in 23 games this season. Because it is he who is for him “real spirit” is responsible, he is criticized by fans and the media. This would increase immensely in the event of a defeat against Bayern – combined with fourth place in the group and the end of Europe.