Jubilation everywhere as Manchester United qualifies for Champions League knockout stage as FA charged FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray over match fixing – Eric Ten Hag rejoices
The Athletic
Create a free account to continue reading.
By creating an account above, you consent to The Athletic’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
or
Get every sports story that matters.
Subscribe
INTRODUCTORY OFFER
Save 50% on all access to The Athletic.
Unlock unrivaled sports coverage.
Cancel Anytime
INTRODUCTORY OFFER
Save 50% on all access to The Athletic.
Unlock unrivaled sports coverage.
Cancel Anytime
View this live blog with scores and stats.
View full game experience
LIVE
Updated
Loading…
How Manchester United were eliminated from Champions League after Bayern Munich defeat
Manchester United’s European campaign is over after Kingsley Coman’s goal led Bayern Munich to a 1-0 win
Michael Dominski and Ed Mackey
How Manchester United were eliminated from Champions League after Bayern Munich defeat
(Getty Images)
Pin icon
Ed Mackey
Ed Mackey
Full time: Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
Manchester United eliminated from Champions League
Erik ten Hag’s side finished bottom of Group A after 1-0 defeat
Kingsley Coman smashed in only goal of the game (70′)
Bayern Munich finished top of Group A
Copenhagen progressed to knockouts with win over Galatasaray
The Briefing – Man Utd 0 Bayern 1: Why didn’t Ten Hag attack rather than exit so meekly?
GO FURTHER
The Briefing – Man Utd 0 Bayern 1: Why didn’t Ten Hag attack rather than exit so meekly?
Ed Mackey
Ed Mackey
A tough task comes next for Bayern, too
Like United, Bayern Munich will be looking to return to winning ways in the league this coming weekend.
A home game against Stuttgart might look straightforward on paper, but their visitors on Saturday are third in the Bundesliga having picked up just one fewer point than the champions.
The positive for Bayern is that their opponents have been stronger at home than on the road, and one would expect Thomas Tuchel’s side to pick up all three points at the Allianz Arena.
Ed Mackey
Ed Mackey
It doesn’t get any easier for United
Life gets no easier for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United, who may well be without Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw for the daunting task of a trip to face Liverpool on Sunday.
There is one positive ahead of the short trip across the north west, though, as Liverpool will have two days fewer to prepare for the game as they are in Europa League action against Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday.
In case you needed reminding, United were beaten 7-0 in that fixture last season…
GO FURTHER
Liverpool 7 Manchester United 0: Gakpo, Nunez and Salah run riot as Ten Hag’s men wilt
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Tuchel surprised by United’s elimination
More from Thomas Tuchel speak about United after Bayern’s win: “Manchester United suffers from the injuries in the group, big players, big personalities and you can see that. We made it as head of the group into the last 16 and the full focus will be to go step-by-step.”
On whether he’s surprised United finished in last place: “Yeah this is a huge club and not what you expect. In the group you expect also Manchester United challenging for the win of the group and a place in the round of 16 but in my experience I can tell you we had a difficult group.
“The matches were tight, the results were narrow so you could see everything was possible until today for Manchester United. In some of the matches games changed in a blink of an eye. They were comfortable in the lead in Istanbul and gave it away, they were comfortable in the lead in Copenhagen.”
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Tuchel has sympathy for Ten Hag
After Bayern’s win, Thomas Tuchel was asked whether Harry Kane is the difference to win Champions League, responding: “Harry is always a difference maker, 100 per cent with his personality, his calmness, his quality, the team knows anything can happen in any minute with Harry, he is one of the top leaders in the group.”
He was also asked whether he has sympathy for Erik ten Hag: “Almost always I feel sympathy for the other coach but we try everything to win matches, these are the goals of high level sports but of course I have sympathy, he has a lot of key players injured for a decisive match, they lack the personality and maybe the width to change games from the bench.
“It is not an easy time but I am pretty sure he knows what to do next and he does not need my advice or clapping on the shoulders, he is experienced enough to go through it. I had not a nice moment last Saturday and sometimes you feel pretty lonely as a coach.”
Ed Mackey
Who is in Champions League action tomorrow?
We have the other half of matchday six to enjoy tomorrow and, while there isn’t too much left to be decided, it promises to be an exciting evening nonetheless.
Particularly in Group F — whose conclusion we will be covering live on The Athletic — where all outcomes are possible.
Group E
Atletico Madrid vs Lazio – 8pm GMT/3pm ET
Celtic vs Feyenoord – 8pm GMT/3pm ET
Group F
Dortmund vs PSG – 8pm GMT/3pm ET
Newcastle vs AC Milan – 8pm GMT/3pm ET
Group G
Red Star Belgrade vs Manchester City – 5:45pm GMT/12:45pm ET
RB Leipzig vs Young Boys – 5:45pm GMT/12:45pm ET
Group H
Antwerp vs Barcelona – 8pm GMT/3pm ET
Porto vs Shakhtar Donetsk – 8pm GMT/3pm ET
Laurie Whitwell
Manchester United Correspondent
Ten Hag: ‘There are still many things to play for’
Erik ten Hag had more to say about Manchester United’s elimination from European competition: “There are still many things to play for, we can focus of course on the Premier League. This is the level we want to play, Champions League, so we have to give every effort for the top four.
“Both sides less chances, but I think there was a good intensity in the game. We brought Bayern out of the rhythm of their game, defensive pressing we did quite well.
“(Rasmus Hojlund) scored five goals in the Champions League. He has to build on this into the Premier League. Today we didn’t create so many chances, also has to do with a very good opponent you have to face.
“Why did this happen? It is simple today, we have to make subs, we are losing players, very decisive for our game who can make the difference. That is a reason but don’t see it as an excuse, even when not all on board we have to win.”
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Coman: I don’t score very often
(Photo: Getty Images)
Kingsley Coman, who was named Player of the match by UEFA after scoring the game’s lone goal, spoke to the media afterward: “It was a very good ending (to the group stage) and a very good performance. (I don’t score) very often, but I kept my cool and I’m happy it went in.
“We’re very happy to be in the next stage. We know the type of teams that await us there. We know we’ve gone very far in previous seasons. We want to do well again.”
Ed Mackey
More depressing stats, United fans?
If you’re looking for promising statistics and optimism, this isn’t the place to come.
Our latest damning stat tells you that no English team has ever conceded more goals in a Champions League group stage.
Man Utd 2023: 15
Tottenham 2019: 14
Man City 2012: 11
Tottenham: 2010: 11
Ed Mackey
So, who’s through, who’s out and who will play in the Europa League?
(Photo: Getty Images)
There weren’t actually too many changes today with most group positions confirmed heading into matchday six.
Here is the outcome from every group that played today.
Group A
Bayern Munich and Copenhagen into knockouts
Galatasaray into Europa League
Manchester United eliminated
Group B
Arsenal and PSV into knockouts
Lens into Europa League
Sevilla eliminated
Group C
Real Madrid and Napoli into knockouts
Braga into Europa League
Union Berlin eliminated
Group D
Real Sociedad (pictured) and Inter into knockouts
Benfica into Europa League
Red Bull Salzburg eliminated
Ed Mackey
Tuesday’s Champions League round up
(Photo: Getty Images)
While we were focused on every kick at Old Trafford, and some of them in Copenhagen, it was a full evening of Champions League action.
Here are the full results from this evening.
Group A
Copenhagen 1-0 Galatasaray (Lerager)
Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich (Coman)
Group B
Lens 2-1 Sevilla (Frankowski, Fulgini; Ramos)
PSV 1-1 Arsenal (Vertessen; Nketiah)
Group C
Napoli 2-0 Braga (Saatci [OG], Osimhen)
Union Berlin 2-3 Real Madrid (Volland, Kral; Joselu [x2], Ceballos)
Group D
Inter 0-0 Real Sociedad
Red Bull Salzburg 1-3 Benfica (Sucic; Di Maria, Rafa, Cabral)
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Neuer: ‘We were very angry about our performance against Frankfurt’
(Photo: Getty Images)
Manuel Neuer spoke to Amazon Prime Video after Bayern Munich’s win: “We were very angry about our performance against Frankfurt (a 5-1 loss). We showed a reaction today. The coach was very happy. He said he was proud on the sidelines. We gave everything and that’s why we won today. We have to give our all in every competition. We have a team that can definitely compete for the title.”
On making his 700th career appearance in club football: “I wasn’t aware of that fact. I’m fit. I didn’t expect things to work so well (after breaking his leg last December) and to keep up with the rhythm without having to take a break. We are very happy, I’m very grateful to the doctors.”
Ben Burrows
Ten Hag waiting on Maguire, Shaw injury assessments
(Photo: Getty Images)
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are set to undergo assessments in the next 24 hours to determine the extent of the injuries they picked up tonight.
Maguire appeared to strain his groin in the first half while fellow defender Shaw looked to aggravate his hamstring and was removed at half-time.
Erik ten Hag is as yet in the dark over how long he may be without two of his key players ahead of a Premier League trip to Liverpool on Sunday.
“I can’t say in this moment,” he said when asked by TNT Sports how bad both injuries were after the game.
“We have to wait 24 hours for an assessment.”
Ed Mackey
United need to get their forwards involved more
(The Athletic/Duncan Alexander)
It is no surprise that Rasmus Hojlund has not yet scored a Premier League goal when you look at his service (or lack thereof) in today’s game.
He had just 20 touches against Bayern Munich, the least of any player that started the match, including Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw who were substituted in the first half and at half-time, respectively.
Considering the lack of goals from United’s forwards, particularly at home, it is imperative that they bring them into the game more.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Subscribers react to United’s elimination
Things are going about how you’d expect among Manchester United supporters on our discussion page:
David B: We need to talk about Bruno. Another dreadful performance from the club captain. How long can this continue?
Ben S: Ten Hag has got to go. We are clueless all over the pitch, every game. 18 months in and we have regressed in every possible way.
Devon O: I think the only way we will see a final ball in this team is if we signed a player named Final Ball
Although some fans are finding the silver lining…
Ruaidhrí W: Well at least I can cancel my TNT Sports payment.
Ed Mackey
Another dreadful Manchester United statistic
(Photo: Getty Images)
While it was far from the worst, tonight was United’s 12th defeat in all competitions this season, the same amount they lost across their 62 matches last season.
It is worth noting that while they have played more games than a lot of other teams, only three of the 96 teams in Europe’s five major leagues have lost more matches than Ten Hag’s side.
Union Berlin (15th in Bundesliga) – 14 defeats
Almeria (20th in La Liga) – 13 defeats
Burnley (19th in Premier League) – 13 defeats
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Dalot: ‘We need to do better’
(Photo: Getty Images)
Diogo Dalot spoke to the media after Manchester United’s elimination from European competition: “It’s not the result we wanted. We were hoping for a different outcome. I think we did well and did our best against a good team, but it wasn’t enough in the end.
“We know we expect more of ourselves. We need to do better. We wanted to qualify, but ultimately we haven’t been good enough. We need to learn from it and do better next time.”
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
What Manchester United’s Champions League exit means for their finances
Manchester United’s Champions League exit will have financial – as well as footballing – consequences:
At least €10.6m lost in prize money, potentially much more
Impact on Financial Fair Play status
Loss of broadcast revenue
Implications for January spending
Dan Sheldon breaks it all down at the link below.
GO FURTHER
What Manchester United’s Champions League exit means for their finances
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
United’s glory days are a distant memory
(Getty Images)
Manchester United have now been eliminated from the group stages of the Champions League in three of their seven seasons in the competition since Alex Ferguson retired. That’s the same number of times as they had in 18 campaigns under the Scotsman.
Ed Mackey
We want to be more consistent, says Ten Hag
(Photo: Getty Images)
After analysing today’s game, focus switched to improving across the course of the season.
“We know we want to be more consistent,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports. “Me, as the manager, I have to improve the team and the team’s progress. I have to guide them and the players have to take the responsibility. We will do that together.”
Ed Mackey
Ten Hag: We didn’t deserve to lose today
(Getty Images)
Another tough evening for Erik ten Hag, but he was surprisingly upbeat after the match.
“We didn’t lose (our position in the Champions League) today, that’s clear,” he told TNT Sports. “We had some good performances but we made mistakes, some individual errors from more players and, in the end, it’s not good enough.
“Today, the performance was very good, we didn’t deserve to lose but we lost again.
“The team were very good. We were very good in the defensive organisation, we were very good in the pressing. We had many ball recoveries, especially at the start of the second half but we didn’t take enough benefit from it.”
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
What could have been for United
(Photo: Getty Images)
With his assist on Kingsley Coman’s goal, Harry Kane has now been involved in seven goals in his last six games at Old Trafford in all competitions (four goals, three assists).
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Why did Erik ten Hag not go all-out attack?
Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley unpack the big talking points as Manchester United’s season goes from bad to worse:
Why did Erik ten Hag allow Manchester United to exit the Champions League with a whimper?
Rasmus Hojlund’s night to forget
How damaging are the Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw injuries?
At least Raphael Varane is back…
Read their analysis at the link below.
GO FURTHER
The Briefing – Man Utd 0 Bayern 1: Why didn’t Ten Hag attack rather than exit so meekly?
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Coman takes plaudits
(Getty Images)
Bayern Munich’s goalscorer Kingsley Coman was named the Player of the Match by UEFA: “He scored the winner in among a good performance which showcased both his pace and crossing. His run for the goal in behind the defence was great, with a composed finish to follow.”
Ed Mackey
Kane on whether Bayern had more gears to go through
As part of that post-match interview, Kane was asked whether he and his team-mates had more gears to go through at Old Trafford.
“It’s hard to say,” he told TNT Sports. “We came out strong with a high energy and we executed (the game plan) well. In the final third, we can be a bit more clinical and finish our chances or (make) the final ball.
“We’ve had a good start to the season but there are more gears to go in general, not just today. We have a couple more games then we get a nice break which I’m not used to then hopefully we can really push on in the new year.”
Ed Mackey
Kane: We controlled the game and had the better chances
There might not have been a goal for Kane on his return to his home country, but there was an excellent assist for Coman’s winner. He spoke to TNT Sports after the game.
“It was nice. We controlled the game, we had the better chances,” said the England captain. “United might have had a bit of possession but we were calm and we knew in the quick transitions that we could hurt them and that’s what happened.
“It’s always tough when you’re top of the group and you’re through already but we had good motivation after the result at the weekend (a 5-1 defeat to Frankfurt) and it was nice to get the win today.”
Ed Mackey
Basketball football (unsurprisingly) goes unrewarded
A team that scores three goals in each of its Champions League away games should not be eliminated from Europe entirely at the group stage.
And, if you had offered United fans 12 goals across their six games, they would have snapped your hand off. But 15 goals conceded is unacceptable and is, ultimately, the reason for their early departure from the competition.
Tonight’s game represented a much more mature, balanced defensive performance but the other five games would not have looked out of place in the NBA.
Kamikaze football might be fun to watch from a neutral perspective, but it is nothing other than really poor coaching.
Ed Mackey
Bayern were in cruise control at Old Trafford
It would be harsh to be too critical of United’s performance tonight, especially after the injuries to Maguire and then Shaw, but Bayern Munich never felt as though they exceeded second or third gear.
And, even then, they had moments of quality that United could not muster themselves; there was Sane’s mazy run in the first half that should have led to a goal, and then Coman’s goal itself.
While the home side were never out of the game, they never truly threatened the Bayern penalty area or goal with Neuer a passenger for much of the game.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Final Group A table
Bayern Munich and Copenhagen advance to the Champions League knockout stage, Galatasaray transfer to the Europa League and Manchester United are out of Europe entirely.
United become just the fourth Premier League side to finish in last place in a UCL group, joining Blackburn in 1995, Manchester City in 2012 and United themselves in 2005.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Bayern are inevitable
(Photo: Getty Images)
Bayern Munich are now unbeaten in their last 40 games in the Champions League group stage (W36 D4), extending the longest run in the competition’s history.
Likewise, they have also won nine straight away games in the group stage, also extending a UCL record.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
United never threatened to score
One a night when Manchester United absolutely needed to score, they registered just one shot on target, which came from Luke Shaw from some distance.
Rasmus Hojlund had just 18 touches despite playing the entire match.
In all, United totalled five shots, three chances created, and an expected goals tally of just 0.24.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Oliver Kay
Football Writer
This isn’t new for United
Bayern Munich are through to the Champions League knockout stage for the 16th consecutive season.
Manchester United out at the group stage for the fourth time in their last nine Champions League campaigns.
That says it all, really.
GO FURTHER
Manchester United’s miserable Champions League record is anything but ‘football heritage’
Adam Crafton
Football Writer
How things have changed
Watching Manchester United chase a game used to be one of the most exciting things in football.
Today, I kept dozing off watching that last 10-15 minutes.
Dr Caroline Douglas
Sports psychologist
United are elite in name only
Manchester United’s problems are bigger than the players and coaching staff. There is a malaise around the club, and a leaky dressing room.
They are elite in name but not actions or personnel.
Frank Nouble
Professional striker
This is United’s level
Manchester United’s level was revealed during this Champions League campaign. They are miles behind the top teams in Europe.
They’re not a Champions League outfit, which is really embarrassing given the amount of money they have spent in recent years.
Bayern Munich are the complete opposite, a well-run machine.
Dr Caroline Douglas
Sports psychologist
A more positive outlook
Erik ten Hag has got something to build on here. Yes, his side did the bare minimum of doing their jobs tonight, but they’ve not been doing even that for weeks so something has shifted mentally. That needs to remain in place going into the Liverpool game at Anfield on Sunday.
Andy Mitten
Failure to launch
Manchester United are out of Europe before Christmas. One win in six Champions League games. A big failure. Another home defeat.
All that work to get into the CL. For what?
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
FT: Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
(Photo: Getty Images)
The whistle blows for full time and boos ring out around Old Trafford.
Manchester United are eliminated from European competition entirely.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
United are out of the Champions League
90+3′ Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
Copenhagen have beaten Galatasaray 1-0 in Denmark, ensuring that they will join Bayern in the knockouts and knocking Manchester United out in the process.
United need two late goals to win and advance to the Europa League in third place, otherwise it’s last place and out of Europe entirely.
Dr Caroline Douglas
Sports psychologist
Low bar for improvement
(Photo: Getty Images)
90+2′ Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
United haven’t sulked or capitulated tonight. That’s…progress.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Final sub
90′ Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
Raphael Guerreiro comes on for Leroy Sane. Bayern are now out of sub opportunities.
Five minutes are added on to the end of the match, five minutes for United to savour life in the Champions League…
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Goretzka booked
88′ Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
Goretzka trips Pellistri up and receives Bayern’s first yellow card of the night.
That prompts perhaps the loudest cheer from the home supporters this entire half.
Carl Anka
Man Utd Correspondent
Toothless United attack
87′ Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
Stretford End chanting “Attack! Attack! Attack, attack attack!” but it doesn’t last more than a few seconds. Much like United’s play tonight…
Mark Critchley
Not much to praise for United
86′ Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
Not a lot to criticise about United’s performance tonight except for the fact there’s not a lot to praise either. They’ve been generally solid but have still conceded, and they’ve needed to score but have barely threatened.
Old Trafford much fuller at this point of the match than it was on Saturday but it does not look like the fans’ persistence will be rewarded with a goal.
Frank Nouble
Professional striker
United need better recruitment
85′ Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
I actually don’t think United are that many players away. Two to three big players could really change things here. But recruitment has been bad for a while.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Kane misses great chance!
83′ Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
Kane has a free header in the United box but directs his effort just wide of the post!
That really would have rubbed salt in United’s wounds.
Carl Anka
Man Utd Correspondent
Hojlund has had no service
(Photo: Getty Images)
82′ Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
A fan in the Sir Bobby Charlton stand has repeatedly yelled “Hojlund! Sort yourself out!”, but it’s a rather misguided instruction. The Danish striker has only touched the ball 13 times tonight – the lowest of any player – and has been starved of service and support as he tries his best to pin back Bayern’s centre-backs and make off-ball runs. It’s a thankless job, and he looks unlikely to be adding to his five goals scored in this competition.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Mainoo comes on
(Photo: Getty Images)
80′ Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
Kobbie Mainoo comes on for Raphael Varane. United have now made all five of their subs.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Coman’s goal
(Getty Images)
79′ Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
It was a beautiful team move that allowed Coman to fire Bayern into the lead in the 70th minute. Quick, controlled passes in tight areas near the box was punctuated by Kane slipping Coman into the six-yard area unmarked. Onana rushed out to meet him but Coman couldn’t miss from that distance.
Ed Mackey
Group A as it stands
(UEFA)
Bayern Munich and Copenhagen will be heading into the knockouts as things stand, Galatasaray will drop into the Europa League and United will be eliminated from European football.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Tel on for Coman
77′ Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
The goalscorer Kingsley Coman is replaced by Mathys Tel.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Defence has been United’s undoing
(Photo: Getty Images)
76′ Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
With Coman’s goal, United have become the first Premier League club to concede 15 goals in a single Champions League group stage.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Hannibal, Pellistri on for United
75′ Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
Erik ten Hag responds to falling behind by bringing on some of United’s younger players in need of experience.
Hannibal Mejbri replaces Alejandro Garnacho while Facundo Pellistri comes on for Antony.
Frank Nouble
Professional striker
Poor goal to concede
72′ Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
Such a poor goal for United to concede. Every player is back yet a free runner gets into the box.
But after all, Bayern are levels above this United team. Surprised it’s taken this long to be honest.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
GOAL! Bayern take the lead!
(Photo: Getty Images)
71′ Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
Coman fires Bayern into the lead!
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
What United need to advance
69′ Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
With Copenhagen leading Galatasaray 1-0 and this game goalless, United are in fourth place as it stands, looking to be eliminated from European competition entirely tonight.
A United goal would move them into third place and the Europa League spot, while a United goal and a Galatasaray goal would move them into second place and the Champions League knockout stage.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Muller replaces Musiala
67′ Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
Thomas Tuchel makes Bayern’s second sub, replacing Jamal Musiala with Thomas Muller who is making his 683rd Bayern appearance!
Mark Critchley
United lacking attractive sub options
65′ Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
We’ve crept over the hour mark, Copenhagen are ahead and United need something to change quickly. This is the point where you’d want more than just Facundo Pellistri on the bench.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Amrabat booked
(Photo: Getty Images)
61′ Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
Musiala runs away from Amrabat with the ball, prompting the Morocco international to trip him up from behind. He joins Antony in the book for his trouble.
Dr Caroline Douglas
Sports psychologist
United playing for pride
60′ Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
The news of Copenhagen’s go-head goal will filter through Old Trafford.
I hope United keep playing for pride now. No one expected them to still be competitive at this point in the game. That’s a massive achievement.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
McTominay lets chance slip away
59′ Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
McTominay receives the ball in space in front of the Bayern box, but it runs away from him before he can get his shot off. He attempts to slip Garnacho in on the left but Bayern reclaim possession.
Ed Mackey
Group A as it stands
(UEFA)
And there is what Group A looks like after the opening goal in Copenhagen.
As it stands, victory would see United take only the Europa League spot, anything else will see them eliminated. They’ll need a Galatasaray equaliser to have a chance of advancing in the Champions League.
Ed Mackey
Copenhagen take the lead against Galatasaray
(Photo: Getty Images)
A big update in the other game in Group A as Lukas Lerager has given Copenhagen the lead against Galatasaray in Denmark!
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Antony receives first booking of match
(Photo: Getty Images)
53′ Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
We’ve finally got our first yellow card of the night, and Antony is the lucky recipient.
He inadvertently stamped on the foot of Davies while challenging for the ball, sending the Canadian to the floor in a heap.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Vital clearance by Kim
(Photo: Getty Images)
52′ Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
Garnacho gets in behind Laimer down the left wing and whips a dangerous cross into the Bayern six-yard area. He has Antony and Hojlund attacking the area but Kim makes a fantastic sliding clearance to prevent a huge chance.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Fernandes misses big chance!
(Photo: Getty Images)
49′ Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
Wan-Bissaka gets to the byline on the right side and cuts the ball back to Fernandes, who’s arriving at the edge of the Bayern box in acres of space.
The United captain hits a first-time shot but gets it all wrong, blazing his shot way over the target.
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Second half is underway!
46′ Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
Each side make their change and we’re back in action at Old Trafford!
Michael Dominski
Live Reporter
Wan-Bissaka is coming on for Shaw
HT: Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
He’s replacing Luke Shaw, who may have picked up an injury.
Laimer is also coming on for Mazraoui for Bayern.
Andrew Fifield
Hojlund nearly invisible
HT: Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
Rasmus Hojlund had only nine touches during the first half, the fewest of any player on the pitch.
Mark Critchley
Glazers the common enemy
HT: Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
During the first half, the Bayern end held up a banner reading: ‘£50 GLAZERS OVERKILL – TWENTY IS PLENTY’.
In response, a chorus of ‘We want Glazers out” came from the United fans next to them.
Mark Critchley
United may miss Maguire at Anfield
(Getty Images)
HT: Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
After suffering his injury, Harry Maguire re-entered the pitch and tried to play on but was still clutching his groin the first time the ball was played to his feet.
With his absence, it looks like United will be heading to Anfield on Sunday without either their present or previous club captain, as Bruno Fernandes will be serving a one-game suspension for yellow card accumulation.
Ed Mackey
The half-time scores on the doors
(Photo: Getty Images)
And there are four other matches ongoing in the Champions League, all at the halfway stage.
Group A
Copenhagen 0-0 Galatasaray
Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
Group C
Napoli 2-0 Braga (Saatci [OG], Osimhen)
Union Berlin 1-0 Real Madrid (Volland)
Group D
Inter 0-0 Real Sociedad
Red Bull Salzburg 0-2 Benfica (Di Maria, Rafa)
Ed Mackey
No change to Group A
(UEFA)
The other game in Group A, between Copenhagen and Galatasaray, has been as cagey as this one, with no goals in the Danish capital at half-time.
There have been just eight shots in 45 minutes there; three for Copenhagen and five for Galatasaray.
That is exactly what Manchester United fans will want to see as they need to see that game finish goalless if they are to make it into the last 16.
Adam Crafton
Football Writer
Hojlund has been stymied
(Getty Images)
HT: Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
That was a tough half for Hojlund against two proper centre-backs.
I’m interested to see how he responds in the second half and how he manages playing against such a physical pairing. His runs need to be smarter.
Dr Caroline Douglas
Sports psychologist
Tuchel will be asking for more aggression
(Photo: Getty Images)
HT: Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
I expected a little more anger in Bayern’s play today. I would imagine that will be reinforced to them by their coach.
Whilst they do not need the win, they certainly do not desire two losses in a row, nor a loss to this team.
Frank Nouble
Professional striker
United need to believe
HT: Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
If I’m giving United’ half-time teak talk, I’m asking for more of the same. More belief in the wide areas. Who wants to be a hero? Go out there and show the fans!
Give our striker something to feed on, crosses, shots, create more chaos.
It’s a must win. Bayern are going through the motions, they are there for the taking!
Dr Caroline Douglas
Sports psychologist
United are hanging in
(Photo: Getty Images)
HT: Manchester United 0-0 Bayern Munich
The United dressing room should be be ‘united’ by that half…(sorry).
They’ve worked for each other and the score isn’t the embarrassment they must have feared deep down.
Although, it was ever frustrating to see Bruno Fernanes on the floor when that last attack was happening.
What would you say to them during the half-time break to capitalise on this energy and showing of robustness, Frank?