How can Man Utd reach the Champions League knockout stages?
- Man Utd suffered defeats in first two Champions League group games for first time ever
- United secured a much-needed win over Kobenhavn on Matchday 3
- Matchday 5 draw against Galatasaray takes it to the final day
Manchester United's Champions League journey is not over yet, but it very nearly is.
The Red Devils went away to Galatasaray on Matchday 5 knowing that anything less than a win could be curtains. A loss would have been curtains, a win would have got fans hoping that an escape is on the cards, and a draw means that the situation is not in their hands on the final day.
Whilst the 3-3 draw in Istanbul was thrilling for the neutral, it was heart-attack-inducing for Man Utd fans. The fact that Kobenhavn then drew with Bayern Munich is not ideal, but does keep Erik ten Hag's side mathematically in the tournament.
Here's how United can progress into the Champions League round of 16 after Wednesday's result.
How can Man Utd reach the Champions League knockout stages?
Group A table
Pos | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goal difference | +/- | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Bayern Munich | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 11:6 | 13 |
2. | Kobenhavn | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -1 | 7:8 | 5 |
3. | Galatasaray | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -2 | 10:12 | 5 |
4. | Manchester United | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 12:14 | 4 |
United's slender victory over Kobenhavn on Matchday 3 lifted them off the bottom of the table and into third. Maguire's close-range header handed the nervy hosts a second-half lead, one that was preserved by Onana's penalty save at the death.
After a red card compromised their efforts in Turkey and they let a one-goal lead slip at home to Bayern, this was another contest that Kobenhavn would've felt they should've got more from. The Danes will be hoping to score their first victory of the campaign in the reverse fixture in two weeks' time.
Manchester United then went away to Kobenhavn knowing that another win over the Danish opposition would put them in a much stronger position to qualify. The early 2-0 lead made it seem like they were on track, but Marcus Rashford's red card soon changed everything and a chaotic game ended 4-3 to the home side.
Knowing that you have to go away to Kobenhavn and then play Bayern Munich, whilst needing two results, is far from appealing. Once again, Man Utd started well, going 2-0 up inside 20 minutes. And again, they could not make it stick. Despite being 3-1 up later on, they still managed to draw 3-3 in what was one of the most entertaining Champions League group games in recent memory.
This, coupled with Kobenhavn's draw against Bayern, means Man Utd's situation is simple on Matchday 6. They have to beat Bayern at Old Trafford, anything less means they are out. Even if they do win, Kobenhavn and Galatasaray have to draw at Parken. A win for either of those sides sees them go through, regardless of what Man Utd do in Manchester.
Man Utd 2023/24 Champions League fixtures and results
Matchday | Date/Kick-Off Time | Fixture/Result |
|---|---|---|
1 | 20/09/23 / 20:00 | Bayern Munich 4-3 Man Utd |
2 | 03/10/23 / 20:00 | Man Utd 2-3 Galatasaray |
3 | 24/10/23 / 20:00 | Man Utd 1-0 Kobenhavn |
4 | 08/11/23 / 20:00 | Kobenhavn 4-3 Man Utd |
5 | 29/11/23 / 17:45 | Galatasaray 3-3 Man Utd |
6 | 12/12/23 / 20:00 | Man Utd vs Bayern Munich |
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