Manchester United, having stumbled in their initial group matches with a whopping seven goals conceded, are now on thin ice. Meanwhile, Copenhagen have shown they’re no pushovers, registering goals in 14 of their recent 15 outings. They’ve even managed to get the first strike in against formidable opponents such as Galatasaray and Bayern Munich. And notably, Hojlund is emerging as a star player, having found the net three times in just two Champions League matches.
Critical Juncture for the Red Devils
No one would’ve batted an eyelid with United’s loss to Bayern Munich, but their surprising falter against Galatasaray in the second matchday of this Champions League run has raised some eyebrows. The Turkish giants now sit comfortably four points clear of the Mancunians. With back-to-back defeats, United’s position in the group looks precarious.
Up next, they welcome Copenhagen to Old Trafford, a match they can’t afford to lose. If they falter again, their Champions League aspirations could be all but over. That said, there’s a silver lining: recent victories against Brentford and Sheffield United. Can they continue this momentum come Tuesday?
Copenhagen’s Habit of Drawing First Blood
Copenhagen have showcased their capability to rattle nets, even against the big guns. While they’ve lost some valuable points after establishing early leads—like their draw post an initial strike against Galatasaray and then a subsequent loss to Bayern after scoring first—it’s evident they pose an attacking threat. Having scored in 14 of their last 15 matches across all competitions, they are on a roll. Given that both teams have managed to score in each of Copenhagen’s last three matches, fans could be in for a goal fest when they lock horns with United.
Goals Galore at Old Trafford?
Manchester United’s recent games have been nothing short of rollercoasters. Their 4-3 loss to Bayern and a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Galatasaray have provided ample entertainment, albeit at the cost of United’s defence. The defensive frailties have been evident, with the team not registering a clean sheet in their last four outings.
Under Erik Ten Hag, United have managed just two clean sheets in their previous 11 fixtures. Given they’ve let in seven in their Champions League group stages already, expecting a clean sheet against the Danes might be a bit optimistic. Especially since United’s record shows they’ve let goals in nine of their last ten home Champions League matches.
That said, the attacking prowess isn’t something to ignore. New boy Rasmus Hojlund is already making waves at Old Trafford. The forward has netted thrice in two Champions League fixtures. It might be worth backing him to increase his tally on Tuesday.
