Manchester United welcome Bayern Munich to Old Trafford on Tuesday night where they will be desperately trying to maintain their Champions League status.
The Red Devils threw away 2-0 and 3-1 leads to draw 3-3 with Galatasaray in Turkey in their last Champions League outing, leaving them rooted to the bottom of Group A as a result. Even if Erik ten Hag’s men defy the odds and beat Bayern Munich, they would need Copenhagen and Galatasaray—both of whom are one point better off—to play out a draw in their contest in Denmark.
The Mancunian giants produced arguably their best performance of the season during the 2-1 league win over Chelsea last week but were soon brought back to earth by Bournemouth, who dismantled Ten Hag’s men 3-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday. So, Ten Hag will expect a rousing response from his boys against Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern who are coming off a chastening 5-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt themselves.
Manchester United Team News
Victor Lindelof participated in team training on Monday, after missing out on Manchester United’s defeat to Bournemouth. Forwards Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were both forced to miss the session due to illness.
Mason Mount, Amad Diallo, Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez are expected to sit this one out, despite the return of Amad, Casemiro and Martinez to training of late.
Predicted Man United lineup vs Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Despite his up-and-down debut season so far, Andre Onana is expected to retain his place in between the sticks in the Man United lineup. He needs to come up with a big performance in goal to keep Bayern Munich at bay in midweek.
Defence
Harry Maguire has nailed down his place in defence with a series of impressive displays over the last two months. While Victor Lindelof is available for selection, Ten Hag could opt for Raphael Varane to partner Maguire in central defence in such a crucial game.
Luke Shaw started in central defence in Man United’s 0-3 defeat to Bournemouth but is expected to switch to left-back on Tuesday, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka getting the nod over Diogo Dalot at right-back in the Man United lineup. The hosts’ defensive quartet have to be on their toes throughout the game to keep a clean sheet against Bayern.
Midfield
Ten Hag isn’t spoilt for choices when it comes to midfield, so a double-pivot of Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat appears to be on the cards.
Young Kobbie Mainoo is pushing for a recall after impressing in the last couple of outings, but Ten Hag is expected to stick with the experienced pair of McTominay and Amrabat in the Man United lineup.
McTominay and Amrabat must work tirelessly and show great composure on the ball to help Man United control the game. After a poor display against Bournemouth, Bruno Fernandes has to step up and make a difference in the final third for the hosts.
Attack
With both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial doubtful, Rasmus Hojlund becomes the clear favourite to lead the Man United attack. The Danish striker will be flanked by Antony and Alejandro Garnacho in the Man United lineup, with the wingers hoping to use their pace, dribbling prowess and industry to create problems for the visitors’ defence.
Facundo Pellistri and Hannibal Mejbri could be involved at some point in the second half of the game.
