Bayern Munich-Manchester United is a match from the first day of the Champions League group stage and is played on Wednesday at 9 p.m.: predictions.
Few clubs in Europe can boast the blazon of Bayern Munich and Manchester United, who throughout their glorious history have racked up both domestic and international trophies. They have clashed several times in the past, but the most famous precedent is surely the 1999 Champions League final, won by the Red Devils thanks to an unreal comeback in the dying minutes, when the Bavarians were already looking forward to their triumph.
The last confrontation was nine years ago: it was, of course, still the Champions League but on that occasion it was Bayern that prevailed, advancing to the semifinals at the expense of the English. In contrast, to trace the last precedent in the group stage of the continent’s most prestigious event, one has to go back more than two decades, to 2001. For both, qualifying for the knockout stage should, in theory, pose no problem, although they will have to watch out for Icardi and Mertens’ insidious Galatasaray, who will try to subvert the balance. In any case, first place should belong to Thomas Tuchel’s team, which is fresh from a pyrotechnic 2-2 draw in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. It was the first draw of the season after three wins in a row for the Bavarians, who nevertheless still lead the standings.
What a bad start for the Red Devils
Against the Aspirins, Harry Kane, who was bought in the summer from Tottenham for more than 100 million euros, found his way to goal once again. The English center forward’s impact was impressive and his arrival filled that hole left a year ago by Lewandowski.
Bruno Fernandes
On Kane’s trail was also United, which eventually tacked on former Atalanta player Hojlund, a player yet to be discovered. From the parts of Old Trafford meanwhile, there are those who are already questioning the buying campaign: normal after a truly disconcerting start, in which Erik ten Hag’s men have cashed in three defeats in five Premier League days, the last at home – where they had not lost for about a year – against Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton (1-3), the second knockout in a row after the one with Arsenal, which before the break had prevailed with the same result. An uphill start that prevents Manchester United from keeping pace, not only with their cousins Manchester City, but also with direct competitors for one of the top four spots. Ten Hag in Munich will have to do without Mount, Shaw, Malacia and Varane. Coman and Guerreiro are absent in Bayern.
The prediction
Bayern Munich has so far won but not completely convinced: against the first level opponent the Bavarians missed the appointment with the three points. In any case, Tuchel’s team seems to have a few more certainties than a struggling Manchester United, coming off two bad defeats. Landlords therefore favored in a match that could, however, turn out to be more balanced than expected and in which both will score.
Bayern Munich-Manchester United
likely lineups.
- BAYERN MONACO (4-2-3-1): Ulreich; Mazraoui, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Sané, Müller, Gnabry; Kane.
- MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, Lindelöf, Lisandro Martínez, Reguilón; Casemiro, McTominay; Bruno Fernandes, Eriksen, Rashford; Højlund.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
