Manchester United travel to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday where they will face the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League winners, Bayern Munich. This fixture typically sees plenty of goals and that trend isn’t expected to change this time around.
Bayern Munich
As always, Bayern are near the top of the Bundesliga after four games this season, winning three and drawing once. Under Thomas Tuchel, the Bavarians are slightly less invincible and teams have enjoyed spells of sustained pressure against them this season. Looking at their recent 2-2 draw with Bayern Leverkusen and the 3-0 defeat to RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup, it is clear that teams who counter attack with pace have caused them issues, which they will have to amend going into their UCL opener. On the other hand, Bayern are incredible in attack which is why we see so many goals in their games.
The obvious talking point surrounding this game, is England’s all-time top goal scorer Harry Kane, who made the switch to Germany this summer. At the top of Kane’s wish list, you will probably find the Champions league trophy and his quality will be needed against United. Kane has settled extremely well in Munich and already has four Bundesliga goals to his name, but with the amount of creativity behind him in the form of Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane, Alphonso Davies and even Joshua Kimmich, it was almost impossible for him to fail.
Manchester United
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United have really struggled so far this season and It almost seems that everything is up against them. The Red Devils can field an entire starting XI of players that are unavailable at this current moment, with the main squad extremely thin. United have played five games in the Premier League so far, winning two and losing three but even in the games that they won, they were played off the park in spells and we saw that in the 3-1 defeat to Brighton this weekend.
A lack of control and defensive security has been the apparent problems that Ten Hag must fix, but it seems that some individuals in the squad are uncomfortable with the more proactive approach that the Dutchman wants his side to adopt. The principles and philosophy look promising on paper, but the execution hasn’t worked. The United faithful will be hoping that new star striker, Rasmus Hojlund, can get off the mark in his new colours against Bayern, and his pace alongside Marcus Rashford in transition, may be the only way they can get something out of the trip to Germany.
Verdict?
You have to worry for United coming into this tie, as Bayern are ruthless in front of goal and tend to dominate at the Allianz Arena. The Red Devils will most likely be a tad more reserved and attempt to stun Tuchel’s side on the counter attack. This game should see goals for both sides.
The final prediction is Bayern Munich 3-1 Manchester United.
