Erik ten Hag's team hasn't earned a single point in the group after two matches. Surprisingly, they've scored five goals in those two games, more than any other fourth-placed team in the 2023-24 Champions League. However, their defensive weaknesses have been exposed, making their return to the big stage a challenging journey.
Losing to Bayern Munich could be excused, but their confidence took a hit with a 3-2 home loss to Galatasaray, where Rasmus Hojlund's double wasn't enough to counter the Turkish side's goals from Wilfried Zaha, Kerem Akturkoglu, and Mauro Icardi.
Man United has now gone five consecutive European matches without a win, losing their last three. Their domestic form isn't stellar either, despite wins against Brentford and Sheffield United. Those victories weren't entirely convincing, but a spectacular goal by Diogo Dalot secured a win against Sheffield United, possibly marking the start of a three-game winning streak for the first time since May.
However, even a win won't be enough to push Man United into the top two spots in Group A this week. Copenhagen, who have had their own share of struggles, can dream of a midweek upset. They secured their 15th Superliga title last season, although their domestic success hasn't translated into a deep Champions League run. Nevertheless, their performance in Group A has been commendable.
Copenhagen started with a 2-2 draw against Galatasaray, leading until the 86th minute before a turnaround by the Turkish team. A similar fate awaited them when Bayern Munich visited on matchday two. They took the lead through Lukas Lerager but eventually fell to goals from Jamal Musiala and Mathys Tel.
Copenhagen managed to bounce back with a 2-1 Superliga victory over Vejle, ending a three-game winless streak. They head to Old Trafford with an impressive 14-game unbeaten run on the road, and they've scored in 16 consecutive away fixtures.
In previous encounters, Manchester United and Copenhagen faced each other in the 2006-07 Champions League group stage, with Man United winning 3-0 at home and losing 1-0 away. In the quarter-finals of the 2019-20 Europa League, Man United secured a 1-0 victory over Copenhagen, thanks to Bruno Fernandes's 95th-minute penalty.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Dries Mertens seized an opportunity when Andre Onana made a poor pass, forcing Casemiro to foul him inside the box. As a result, Casemiro received a red card and will miss the match against Copenhagen due to suspension. Casemiro had already been sidelined for the Sheffield United match due to an ankle injury.Additionally, there is a list of other absentees for the team, including Amad Diallo (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Jadon Sancho (disciplinary), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (muscle), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Luke Shaw (muscle). However, there is hope that Sergio Reguilon will recover from his hamstring issue.
Harry Maguire performed well in the Sheffield United match, making a strong case to keep his place in the starting lineup for the upcoming game. However, it would be surprising not to see Raphael Varane return in place of Jonny Evans.
On the Copenhagen side, Elias Jelert is available after serving a continental ban, but Lerager and Birger Meling are both one yellow card away from suspension. Unfortunately, Meling suffered an injury in the first half of Copenhagen's Superliga victory over the weekend, and it's unlikely that he will play before the November international break. Christian Sorensen is expected to fill in for him.
Copenhagen also has several players unavailable, including William Clem (broken leg), Noah Sahsah (knee), and Nicolai Boilesen (unspecified). Mohamed Elyounoussi, who was the matchwinner for Copenhagen over the weekend, will be making a swift return to England after leaving relegated Southampton in the summer.
Eighteen-year-old midfielder Oscar Hojlund will join his older brother Rasmus Hojlund on the Copenhagen bench for the match on Tuesday night.
POSSIBLE LINE UPS
Manchester United possible starting lineup:Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon; Eriksen, McTominay; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
Copenhagen possible starting lineup:
Grabara; Jelert, Diks, Vavro, Sorensen; Lerager, Falk, Claesson; Achouri, Larsson, Elyounoussi
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester United 3-1 FC Copenhagen
Both teams have limited time for recovery, which won't make things any easier for the managers. However, Manchester United still has players who can be dangerous in front of the goal, and we believe that Ten Hag's team will finally score in the Champions League, even if the performance may not be the most aesthetically pleasing.
