Manchester United have travelled for their midweek tie against FC Copenhagen, where failure to take three points could put them at serious risk of a group stage exit of the UEFA Champions League. Read for our predicted lineup and team news for the Red Devils.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs FC Copenhagen
Bruno Fernandes’ Late Heroics Lift Mood Ahead of Crucial European Tie
Erik ten Hag named a much-changed side against Fulham, mostly out of necessity as Scott McTominay replaced the injured Casemiro. Similarly, Marcus Rashford was left out of the squad due to injury – and not because of attending a nightclub on his birthday after the 3-0 loss in the Manchester Derby – and was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka returned from injury and filled in for the out-of-form Diogo Dalot, while Antony returned to the starting lineup and frankly, failed to impress before being hooked in the 63rd minute.
While some technical excellence from Bruno Fernandes in the 91st minute secured three points at Craven Cottage, the performance certainly raised more questions than it did answers. Marco Silva’s side looked likelier to score than United for large periods of the game and only faltered due to the lack of an effective striker, despite having more shots than the Reds.
Christian Eriksen struggled to have an effect on the game and Antony ghosted along the touchline, with fans only reminded that he was on the pitch when the ball occasionally reached him.
Despite the poor performance, Ten Hag’s side showed character to pounce and profit after Tim Ream and Joao Paulinha’s successive moments of madness gifted the ball to United in injury time, when their captain stepped up to the mark and snatched the win for his side.
Manchester United’s Recent Form
It’s been a tough start for United, with a record-poor start only narrowly improved by the win over The Cottagers, improving to eight wins out of sixteen matches in all competitions.
Aside from a third-round Carabou Cup tie against a weakened Crystal Palace team – who went on to beat them in the league that weekend – the Reds are yet to beat any side by more than a one-goal margin.
Ahead of their crucial match against FC Copenhagen on Wednesday night, they have only managed to secure three points from three games, placing them behind group leaders Bayern on nine points, and Old Trafford victors Galatasaray on four points.
On the bright side, they beat their opponents in the reverse fixture and a win in the other match for the German champions over their Turkish challengers would put United in prime position to move to second in the group, with a potential two-point gap.
Team News & Injuries
Erik ten Hag delivered some devestating news to fans in his Tuesday night press conference, revealing that Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro, who the Dutch manager has called a “brilliant” and “surprising” football player, are both likely to be ruled out until after Christmas.
Despite knocks during and leading up to the Fulham game, Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford are both expected to return to match fitness and may feature in the starting lineup.
Read More: Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd Really Like ‘Very, Very Talented’ Ligue 1 Star Amid New Centre-Back Search
Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs FC Copenhagen
Onana; Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Reguilon; McTominay, Eriksen, Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford; Hojlund
