Amid a shaky start to the season, going to Bayern Munich to try and get a result was never going to be an easy task, so matchday one of the group stage of the Champions League went as many people expected.
Today, we’re picking apart that game in Munich, as well as checking out the next fixture, which many people think is a must-win if United are going to have any chance of getting through the group. If you’re thinking of having a bet on the game, we’ve also shared some info you might find useful in collaboration with Talksport, who has compiled a list of the best football betting sites UK.
Matchday 1 review
It could have been so different for United. After a bright start, a few chances to take the lead were spurned, and Munich managed to go in 2-0 at the break, with goals from Sane and Gnabry, two players who United fans are likely to remember from their time playing in England.
The second half also saw a bright start, Hojlund pulled a goal back, but any excitement was very short-lived, and a controversial VAR call led to a penalty. Of course, it was former tormenter and transfer target Harry Kane that managed to convert from the spot making it 3-1.
United fans may have felt even more aggrieved when it became 3-2, feeling that they should be level and that the penalty never should have stood. There was still time for another goal each from the teams, but in truth, Casemiro’s 96th-minute effort was merely a consolation, as there was no time left for United to try and push for an equaliser.
Man United fought through until the last minute, but defensively looked poor at times, and there could have been more in the Bayern Munich goals column. They hit the post and could have taken a couple more of their chances to turn it into a humiliating night for United. Even United’s own evaluation of the game admitted that there could’ve been more.
Though the fans may well be aggrieved at some of the officiating, there was not much chance of a United victory at any point in the game. A draw would have been a good result, but Munich proved to be too much, even with a possible helping hand from the ref.
There were some small bright sparks, Hojlund and Casemiro scored highly in the player ratings.
Man United has seen worse this season, and the fate of their run in the competition doesn’t necessarily rest on this game. There are two much more beatable teams in the competition. There’s every chance that Munich will make it to the latter stages of the tournament, so fans shouldn’t get too disheartened about this one result. In the context of a poor start in the Premier League, though, it was frustrating.
Looking ahead to the next game: Galatasaray
Game week 2 has Champions League football returning to Old Trafford, and the Red Devils will be hoping they can get back to winning ways.
With Galatasaray and Copenhagen drawing in the first game, United sits at the bottom of the fledgling group table. This is only cause for concern if they can’t do enough to beat the Turkish and Danish teams. At home, Manchester United will be favourites for these fixtures.
Those who have seen Gala play this season will notice some familiar faces. Icardi, Ziyech and Mertens have all come from top teams and have performed at higher levels.
But it is fair to say that the team is top-heavy, and while they have certainly been good at scoring goals this season, they have a leaky defence.
They’ve conceded five in their last three games, and with teams like Copenhagen able to put a couple of goals past the back line, the likes of Rashford and Hojlund should be licking their lips at the opportunity to add to their tally in this one.,
They are a threat going forward though, and with the current defensive crisis at Manchester United, don’t be surprised if they are able to notch goals of their own. That said, the recent game against Burnley and the return of Jonny Evans saw a bit more of a back-to-basics approach, and at least a clean sheet for Manchester United’s defence. It is likely there will still be a makeshift look to the back line by the time Galatasaray comes to town, so it is crucial that they don’t allow a prolific Galatasaray forward line to get the better of them.
Predictions for the game? Well, there’ll be no surprises if a lot of people are backing both teams to score in this one. Unless they decide the best way forward is a defensive setup, then it seems inevitable there will be goals in the fixture. In the opening games of this group, there were 11 goals in two fixtures, so it is hard to imagine this will be a 0-0 snoozefest.
Though it may be famous last words, Man United should have enough to win the game. If Fernandes is given time to pull the strings in midfield, then there should be no problem creating chances, and we expect Hojlund will find the net. He’s likely to be popular in the goalscorer bets.
Conclusion and group outlook
This group draw could have been a lot worse, and with a trip to Munich out of the way, the toughest of the fixtures is done.
Winning the group seems unlikely unless Munich somehow has a massive downturn in form, but most United fans will be satisfied with just advancing to the next round, and all they need for that is second place.
Galatasaray could be the biggest competitors for that second spot in the next round, so it is important that United don’t give them a way in. If the worst should happen and United go into game week three without a point, it is going to be a huge uphill battle for them to win.
