Bayern Munich vs. Manchester United preview
With the 2023-24 Champions League season to start, we have now been served with mouth-watering clashes on matchday one. There may be Paris Saint Germian going through Borussia Dortmund, newcomers Newcastle United internet hosting taking up seven-time champions AC Milan Nevertheless, probably the most vital conflict can be between German champions Bayern Munich and returning English giants Manchester United.
The 2 groups have a wealthy historical past within the European competitors, however United have fallen off the perch over the previous couple of years. On the similar time, Bayern Munich have gained the Champions League titles two occasions within the final ten years. On paper, Bayern Munich look like far stronger, and that is additionally mirrored within the two workforce’s type. Bayern Munich have began the season strongly with three wins and one draw.
One of many main considerations for the Bavarians final season was the absence of an elite striker. That has now been coated with the signing of Harry Kane, who already has 4 targets in 4 video games. Nevertheless, Kane was introduced for the massive sport just like the one in opposition to United, and it’s right here the place he should justify his €100 million price ticket. The membership has additionally added Serie A-winning defender Kim Min Jae, Konrad Laimer (from RB Leipzig), and Raphael Guerrero (from Borussia Dortmund).
Manchester United additionally dived into the switch market to enhance their squad and construct on their third-place end within the Premier League desk. The Purple Devils signed Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Sofyan Amrabat (on mortgage) and Sergio Reguilon (on mortgage).
Nevertheless, the signings have didn’t make the anticipated sort of impression. On prime of that, the membership are with out their prime two proper wingers. Whereas Antony has been out of competition after being accused of home violence, Jadon Sancho has been coaching with the reserves after having a spat with Erik Ten Hag. These points, coupled with their performances on the pitch, have solely made the scenario extra bleak.
United are at the moment thirteenth within the desk and have misplaced each of their earlier video games, making it a really precarious time for them to face Thomas Tuchel’s males.
Bayern Munich vs. Manchester United lineups
Bayern Munich lineup
Bayern Munich are at the moment sweating over the health of their star defensive midfield Joshua Kimmich, who went off within the second half in opposition to Bayer Leverkusen. The 28-year-old is affected by an infected tendon, and a name can be taken by the medical workforce earlier than the sport over his inclusion. The membership, although, have an in a position substitute in Laimer ought to Kimmich fail to make the reduce.
The opposite query can be who will begin within the centre-back spot alongside Kim Min Jae. Tuchel has hinted that Matthijs de Ligt nonetheless must work on his tactical consciousness, which suggests Dayot Upamecano will get the nod. In assault, Serge Gnabry can be most well-liked alongside Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala.
Bayern Munich lineup: Ulreich; Davies, Min Jae, Upamecano, Mazraoui; Laimer, Goretzka; Sane, Musiala, Gnabry; Kane
Manchester United lineup
In the meantime, Manchester United have their work reduce out with accidents and different conditions depleting their squad depth. Which means that Erik Ten Hag has few choices to rotate his squad. Nevertheless, regardless of this, he nonetheless can placed on the sphere a powerful 11 that, when on track, can go toe-to-toe with any workforce on this planet.
Including Onana to the ranks has helped United enhance their enjoying from the again. Nevertheless, it’s the defence the place they’ve been woeful, conceding ten targets with their efficiency in opposition to Brighton coming in for criticism. In assault, too, they’ve solely scored six targets, which makes their conflict in opposition to Bayern Munich a frightening activity.
Manchester United lineup: Onana; Reguilon, Lindelof, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
Bayern Munich vs. Manchester United predictions
Manchester United couldn’t have requested for a worse second to face Bayern Munich with points plaguing the membership each on and off the sphere. Nevertheless, the membership additionally tend to deliver out their finest when they’re down.
Nevertheless, Bayern Munich at residence are too good a membership to drop any factors. And with the addition of Harry Kane, they’re now one of many favourites to win the Champions League title.
FootTheBall predicts a 4-1 win for Bayern Munich.