Manchester United begin their 2023/24 Champions League campaign on Wednesday night when they face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in the first group-stage encounter.
The Red Devils’ dismal start to the new Premier League season continued with a 1-3 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday. This means Erik ten Hag’s side have lost three of their opening five league games.
Erik ten Hag has come under pressure in recent weeks and he will be desperate to see a strong response from his boys against Bayern, who come into this game off the back of a 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
A secretive Ten Hag told the media following Man United’s defeat against Brighton on Saturday that one player could be ready to return from injury in midweek, although his identity is yet to be determined.
Mason Mount, Raphael Varane and Sofyan Amrabat all missed out last weekend, as did long-term absentees Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo and Tyrell Malacia. Antony and Jadon Sancho are unavailable.
Meanwhile, Man United have been dealt with a big blow ahead of the trip to Germany, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka set for a period on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury during the closing stages of the game against Brighton.
Goalkeeper
It hasn’t been a great start to life at Man United for Andre Onana since joining from Inter Milan in the summer. Having conceded 10 goals in five league games so far, the Cameroonian shot-stopper will be wary of damaging his reputation further against a dangerous Bayern attack. He will have to be at the top of his game to thwart the home side tonight.
Defence
There is an outside chance that Raphael Varane will have recovered from injury in time to face Bayern. But if that’s not the case, Ten Hag will stick to Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez in central defence in the Man United lineup, despite the duo being poor in the 1-3 defeat to Brighton.
Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans will be further options from the bench.
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka becoming the latest injury casualty, Diogo Dalot becomes an immediate starter at right-back in the Man United lineup.
On loan from Tottenham, Sergio Reguilon, who was excellent in his debut on Saturday, should keep his place at left back.
Midfield
In midfield, Ten Hag opted for a diamond formation against Brighton but it failed to work despite a bright first 15 minutes. Yet, the Dutch tactician is expected to persist with it, with Casemiro holding the fort in the middle of the pitch.
Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay will operate as two No.8s in the Man United lineup, as the visitors look to stop Bayern from penetrating from the central areas.
Bruno Fernandes had a poor outing against the Seagulls as well, and being the United skipper, he will be looking to take more responsibility from his position at the tip of the diamond.
Sofyan Amrabat could be available for the first time this season but Ten Hag is unlikely to throw him at the deep end in midweek.
Attack
Rasmus Hojlund had a bright full debut against Brighton before being substituted in the 64th minute. He will be fresh to lead the United attack against Bayern, with Marcus Rashford playing off the big Dane. With their pace, movement and physicality, Hojlund and Rashford will look to cause problems for the Bayern defence.
Hannibal Mejbri, who scored in the defeat to Brighton, could get an opportunity to impress off the bench again.
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