Not only do they have to beat a European giant in Bayern Munich, the result in the other group game must also go in United’s favour for them to reach the knockout stage.
Follow Us
It has not been a season to remember for Manchester United so far. The Red Devils have been a shadow of their usual self and have struggled big time to hit their previous best. While there have been some good moments in certain matches, overall, the consistency has been missing, with the team producing several poor performances. This has been the case in both domestic and European competitions.
Manchester United are on the brink of Champions League elimination heading into the final group game. Not only do they have to beat a European giant in Bayern Munich, but the result in the other group game must also go in United’s favour for them to reach the knockout stage. It is surprising to see the drop in levels for the Red Devils this campaign after the highs they showed last when they finished third in the Premier League and won the Carabao Cup, along with reaching the FA Cup final.
Erik ten Hag went on to explain what has been the reason behind United’s change in fortunes this season compared to last. “We had a regular team [last season], not so many changes, I think especially in our backline. For a long time, we had a regular formation and that helps you get the routines in. So we have to wait for that and until that moment, we have to deal with it. As every team has to deal with it. It’s not only us. But I’m sure when we get back to a regular base, then we will play better and you have better opportunity to win games, and you have a better opportunity of a challenge, that you are consistent,” ten Hag, quoted on the club’s website, said in his pre-match press conference.
When asked if it is a personnel issue rather than a mentality issue, the manager responded, “I think, first of all, it’s personnel but I am aware and that is my job. You have to be really tough if you have to do it every third day. But we are not the only team. I see the inconsistency from other teams in this period in the Premier League. I think the players are not robots but the team who can deal the best with it, they will come [finish] the most high.”
In the reverse game at Bayern Munich, Man United produced a brilliant fightback despite chasing the game for most parts of the match. The German champions eventually won it 4-3 after the Premier League side provided a spirited late fight. Asked whether he can take encouragement from that performance going into the upcoming clash, ten Hag said, “Yeah, of course. There were stages in the game when we played very good.”
He added: “It was head to head in that game for a long time in the game. We also suffered some mistakes which were absolutely avoidable. But that is one thing you show when you play against Bayern Munich, you have to play your best because they have a good team, they have very good football players. But as I said, Chelsea also have amazing players and we went head to head with them and we dominated them. So I think we can do that against Bayern as well.”
More Football Stories:
Wataru Endo news: Why did the Japanese midfielder decide to join Liverpool in the summer?
Manchester United news: How can the Red Devils turn their season around? Scott McTominay responds
Premier League: Which players have scored the most goals in a single season?
EPL stats: Which clubs have conceded the most last-minute winners in Premier League?
EPL stats: Which clubs have scored the most number of last-minute winners in Premier League?
How long will Kevin De Bruyne be out injured? Pep Guardiola responds
