Manchester Utd – Bayern Munich : Preview & Prediction
Manchester United go into Matchday 6 of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage without relying on themselves to qualify thanks to a miserable European campaign so far (G1, E1, P3). The “Red Devils” must beat Bayern Munich, who are already qualified, and at the same time hope that the other Group A match between Copenhagen and Galatasaray ends in a draw if they want to reach the round of 16.
It seems a tall order given the “really inconsistent” level of Erik ten Hag’s side, who suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday. That was their third home defeat by the same scoreline in five games at Old Trafford, and having conceded three or more goals in four of their five UCL group stage games, a dramatic improvement is needed if United are to get into the last 16.
Perhaps they can find some hope in Bayern Munich’s dismal performance on Saturday, which was thrashed 5-1 by Eintracht Frankfurt. While the Bundesliga champions have already qualified for the round of 16, their team selection on matchday five and the need for a “serious reaction,” as coach Thomas Tuchel said, marks an unlikely trip to Manchester.
Bayern could also extend their incredible 39-match unbeaten run in the UCL group stage (G35, E4), also a competition record. They had won 17 successive matches in the group stage before drawing 0-0 against Copenhagen last time out, and another game without a win would mark their first two-match winless streak in the group stage in 14 years.
Players to watch: Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund is one of the UCL’s top scorers heading into Matchday 6, scoring two of his five goals in the first leg between these two sides. Bayern’s Harry Kane scored and assisted in that 4-3 win, but his ten personal defeats against United are his second-highest tally against any opponent in his career (G7, E3).
Weekend stat: Manchester United is unbeaten in its last 11 home matches against German opponents (G8, E3).
Manchester Utd – Bayern Munich : Betting Tips
Manchester Utd – Win Odds: 2.75
