Bayern Munich vs Manchester United

• Date: Wednesday September 20 – 20.00 BST
• Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
• Teams: Bayern Munich vs Manchester United

Red Devils return to Champions League with tough trip to Munich

Bayern Munich

To say that Bayern have dominated the Bundesliga in recent times is an understatement. They have won 11 consecutive titles since 2013, an amazing record in one of the best leagues in Europe. However, since their last Champions League triumph in 2020, they have not progressed beyond the quarter-finals. Something boss Thomas Tuchel will be looking to put right this season.

Bayern have signed Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur this summer. Many have felt that, for all of their attacking quality, Bayern have lacked a natural finisher since the departure of Robert Lewandowski. The England captain had been linked with a move to Old Trafford before his arrival in Munich, something which is bound to add spice to the fixture. It will be a quick return to Premier League opposition for Kane, who has a comparatively modest record against the Red Devils, only scoring four times in 16 appearances.

Bayern have started the season strongly with Kane immediately chipping in with goals and assists. They drew 2-2 at home to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga on Friday, with Kane on target once again, leaving them a clear weekend to recover and prepare for Man United. The result leaves Bayern second in the Bundesliga on goal difference, behind Leverkusen after Fridays’s draw saw both teams drop points for the first time this season but preserve their unbeaten records.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer remains out after suffering a setback in his recovery from a broken leg. Veteran Sven Ulreich continues to deputise. Joshua Kimmich picked up a knock on international duty with Germany, however, he played for an hour on Friday and it was thought that he should be fit for Wednesday. However, it has been revealed that the midfielder has an inflamed tendon so he will be assessed before kick off. Jamal Musiala made a return, replacing Thomas Muller at the same time that Kimmich was withdrawn. Kingsley Conman missed Friday’s match with a muscle injury and is unlikely to be involved. Tarek Buchmann, Raphael Guerreiro and Gabriel Marusic are all likely to miss out. Konrad Laimer could come into central midfield should Kimmich not make it.

Manchester United

Manchester United, European Champions in 1968, 1999 and 2008 face one of the toughest trips possible on their return to Europe’s top table with a trip to German champions Bayern Munich. The tie is a repeat of the 1999 final where the Manchester club triumphed in dramatic fashion in Barcelona’s Camp Nou. After a disappointing campaign in 2021/22, last season saw a third placed finish in the Premier League and an EFL Cup win. The club also reached the FA Cup Final and went out of the Europa League in the quarter-finals.

Erik ten Hag’s side have made a poor start to their campaign, accumulating only six points from five games. They picked up three points against Wolves in an underwhelming performance and, after losing at Tottenham, claimed a 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford having been two goals down. In their final match before the international break they conceded two late goals at the Emirates to lose 3-1 to Arsenal. Then, after a difficult week on and off the pitch, they were convincingly beaten at home by high-flying Brighton and Hove Albion. A section of the Old Trafford crowd turned against Ten Hag during Saturday’s defeat. However, while United are yet to find their fluency, it should be noted that they struggled in the opening matches of last season before going on to finish third and claim the EFL Cup. They face a difficult home game against Brighton and Hove Albion before travelling to Munich.

Brazilian winger Antony will not represent the club ‘until further notice’ amid allegations of assault made against him. Aaron Wan-Bissaka picked up an injury against Brighton and is expected to be out for a couple of weeks. Jadon Sancho is not expected to be considered after a public disagreement with Ten Hag has seen him banned from training.

Raphael Varane (muscle), Luke Shaw (muscle), Tyrell Malacia (muscle), Sofyan Amrabat (back), Amad Diallo (knee), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), Mason Mount (hamstring) and Tom Heaton (calf) are all doubtful, though Ten Hag is hoping that one, or more, of those players are able to be involved.

After using a diamond system in midfield against Brighton, it will be interesting to see if Ten Hag perseveres with this despite the poor result and performance, due to a lack of natural width in attack and midfield with so many wide players unavailable.

Prediction

In 11 competitive matches between the two clubs, Bayern Munich have won four, Manchester United two, with five ending as draws.

Despite Manchester United’s struggles it probably won’t be easy for Bayern, however, they currently appear to be ahead of their opponents and, especially at home, they should have too much for United. Home win.