Manchester United will be aiming to break their duck in the Champions League and stay alive in the competition this season when they host FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.
The Red Devils are at the bottom of Group A following defeats to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray, and victory in midweek is certainly required if Erik ten Hag’s men are to progress to the round of 16. Upon their return from the international break last weekend, Ten Hag’s side beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Bramall Lane to make it back-to-back Premier League wins.
Ahead of what is likely to be a hugely emotional evening at Old Trafford, following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, Man United will be raring to put in a fantastic display and get their first points on board by beating FC Copenhagen.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United have been handed a timely injury boost ahead of their must-win Champions League game against FC Copenhagen, with Sergio Reguilon expected to be available again for selection. Reguilon has been sidelined since September 23 with a hamstring injury but resumed team training last week, only to miss the Sheffield United game with illness.
Casemiro is suspended but Kobbie Mainoo could get some minutes following his own recovery from injury. Jonny Evans departed the game at Bramall Lane on Saturday with an injury and there has been no update on the veteran defender.
Meanwhile, defenders Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are still sidelined, although Wan-Bissaka is not too far away from returning to training.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs FC Copenhagen (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana made a couple of fine saves to help Man United beat Sheffield United 2-1 last weekend. The Cameroonian’s display at Bramall Lane should give him a lot of confidence heading into this massive European clash.
Defence
The potential return of Sergio Reguilon should ease the hosts’ defensive concerns. The Spaniard should walk straight into Ten Hag’s first XI and take the left-back spot, while Diogo Dalot—following his screamer against Sheffield United—hopes to produce another strong outing from the right-back position.
Harry Maguire has been solid in Man United’s back-to-back Premier League wins against Brentford and Sheffield United, and he deserves to keep his place in the team. The Englishman is expected to partner Raphael Varane in central defence, with Victor Lindelof dropping to the bench.
Midfield
With Casemiro suspended, Sofyan Amrabat should anchor Man United’s midfield. The Moroccan will protect the home side’s shaky backline and provide a base for creative players to shine against FC Copenhagen. Christian Eriksen brings calm and control to Man United’s play, and Ten Hag could opt to start the Dane ahead of Scott McTominay. He could partner Amrabat in the double pivot, with Bruno Fernandes acting as the creative glue from his favoured No.10 role. The Portuguese will be crucial in unlocking the FC Copenhagen defence.
Attack
Rasmus Hojlund has been on fire in the Champions League for Ten Hag’s side, netting thrice in two outings. The Dane is certain to lead the Red Devils’ attack, and he will be raring to haunt his former side on Tuesday.
Despite his underwhelming displays, Marcus Rashford is expected to keep his place on the left flank, while Antony hopes to impress from the right. Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Martial and Facundo Pellestri will hope to make an impact against the Danish side if introduced by Ten Hag.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.