UCL 2023/24: Amidst poor PL start, Manchester United hope to avoid embarrassment from hands of Bayern Munich
13-time English Premier League and 3-time UEFA Champions League winners Manchester United will travel to Germany with a sense of nervousness on their mind. They will be facing European giants Bayern Munich at a time that a loss could further damage their season or turn out to be the match that brings back rhythm.
Erik Ten Hag‘s side in their opening 5 Premier league games have won just Twice while suffering defeat on 3 occasions. After beating Wolves on matchday 1, United lost to Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 then won against Nottingham Forest 3-2 before losing back to back matches against Arsenal (3-1) and Brighton also (3-1).
In terms of the conceding the most goals, Manchester United are 3rd in that list despite recruiting UCL 2023 runner-up Andre Onana this summer. Their defense has raised plenty of concerns already but they have faced an even tougher challenge to score goals.
They have actually conceded more goals (10) than they have scored (6). That describes the story until now and even though they have an entire season left to make amends, Bayern Munich could come up as an opponent that provides them with some more reality checks.
England Striker Harry Kane, who was once a Manchester United target will be the one to watch out for in Bayern’s front line. The Englishman knows his opponents for their opening UEFA Champions League game this season pretty well having met them every season during his time with Spurs.
Though his record against United isn’t that colossal, scoring just 5 goals in 19 Premier League meetings. He has also won just 6 times, drawn 3 and Lost 10 and therefore he will be aiming to increase his win tally against the Red Devils.
With Harry Kane in their side, Bayern Munich have won thrice and drawn once in Bundesliga 2023/24. The Bavarians are 2nd only because of scoring lesser goals than table toppers Bayer Leverkusen who also sit with 10 points.
With Leroy Sane, Thomas Muller and Serge Gnabry ready to supply Harry Kane, United will face a stern task and they must come out with their best. The 3-time winners have both Offensive and Defensive issues to address and Ten Hag has a very little time to prepare for Bayern now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4GaCvMTlV8&pp=ygUDOC0y
The Dutchman must not also forget that Bayern are masters of embarrasing their opponents and Ten Hag should somewhat take some inspiration from Pep Guardiola, who defeated the German champions 4-1 across 2 legs of UCL Quarter-finals.
