FC Copenhagen vs Manchester United: Must-win fixture for Erik ten Hag’s men as Champions League fate hangs in the balance

Manchester United have struggled for consistency this season, with the players said to have lost faith in Ten Hag. | Imago

FOOTBALL FC Copenhagen vs Manchester United: Must-win fixture for Erik ten Hag’s men as Champions League fate hangs in the balance

Joel Omotto 12:09 - 08.11.2023

Manchester United will welcome back Marcus Rashford but still question marks on whether Raphael Varane will start as the Red Devils seek maximum points in Denmark

Manchester United head to FC Copenhagen knowing they must win on Wednesday to keep their hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stage alive.

A narrow 1-0 win in the reverse fixture was do or die. United did and must this week repeat the act with Bayern Munich and Galatasaray also fighting to qualify out of the group.

The Danish hosts will have taken plenty of positives from their trip to Old Trafford, with only a Harry Maguire header and a last-gasp Andre Onana penalty save preventing them from points. They won this fixture 17 years ago, can they do it again?

United were again far from convincing in victory against Fulham last time out and head to Denmark with a record of just one win in seven on the road in the Champions League.

Team news

Oscar Hojlund, the brother of United striker Rasmus, will be pushing to start while Mohamed Elyounoussi will be assessed ahead of kick-off. Birger Meling, William Clem and David Khocholava are still out.

Marcus Rashford missed the win at Fulham after picking up a knock in training but travelled with the squad and is now expected to start in Denmark.

Victor Lindelof has overcome an illness but Raphael Varane will surely come into the team after curiously sitting out the trip to London and loss to Manchester City, partnering Harry Maguire at centre-back. Sergio Reguilon is fighting Diogo Dalot for a start at left-back.

Man United absentees

Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo and Tyrell Malacia are longer-term injury absentees, while Jadon Sancho remains unavailable for selection.

When and where to watch

The match will kick off on Wednesday at 11pm and will be broadcast live on SuperSport TV.

Predicted line-up

Manchester United predicted XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Dalot; McTominay, Eriksen; Pellistri, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund

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