ERIK TEN HAG’S SIDE CRASH OUT OF EUROPE AND FINISH BOTTOM IN GROUP B

Manchester United’s European adventure is over for 2023-24 after a 1-0 defeat at home to Bayern Munich left them bottom of Group A. United needed to win and hope Galatasaray drew at FC Copenhagen, but both results went against them as Kingsley Coman’s strike saw Erik ten Hag’s side concede their 15th goal in just six games – the most ever by a Premier League team in the group stage.

Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United looks dejected

The pressure continues to mount on Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag after his side crashed out of Europe courtesy of a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.

United needed a victory coupled with a draw in the match between FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray to book a spot in the UEFA Champions League 16, but they came up well short on a do-or-die evening against the already-qualified Germans.

The hosts struggled to create clear-cut openings but did blow a great chance at the start of the second period when Bruno Fernandes flashed over from the edge of the area.

TRANSFERS

MAN UTD TARGET TODIBO ‘OPENS DOOR’ TO TRANSFER, MOURINHO WANTS BAYERN JOB – PAPER ROUND

13 HOURS AGO

It proved costly as Harry Kane set up Kingsley Coman 20 minutes from time to ensure the Bavarians bounced back from their 5-1 Bundesliga hammering at Eintracht Frankfurt.

FC Copenhagen’s victory over Galatasaray means United finish bottom of Group A and do not even have the consolation of a place in the UEFA Europa League. Bayern were already through as pool winners and will be joined by the second-placed Danes.

United will now switch focus to another crunch Premier League clash at leaders Liverpool on Sunday. Bayern host Stuttgart as second meet third in the Bundesliga.

TALKING POINT – PROBLEMS DEEPEN FOR MAN UTD WITH ANFIELD ON THEIR HORIZON

The stage was set for United to cast aside their recent woes, ignite the crowd and produce a barnstorming performance to try and keep their European hopes alive. Instead, they crashed out with a whimper as Bayern barely got out of second gear as they eased to victory. Indeed, visiting stopper Manuel Neuer was pretty much a spectator throughout the contest.

United’s anguish was compounded by injuries to Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw which only adds to their list of problems and worries ahead of a trip to arch rivals Liverpool on Sunday. Ten Hag’s job seems safe for now despite their troubles but he really needs a big result sooner rather than later.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – DAYOT UPAMECANO (BAYERN MUNICH)

The defender was a monster at the back, overpowering Rasmus Hojlund time and time again and barely giving the Dane a kick as Bayern pretty much controlled the whole match.

PLAYER RATINGS

Man Utd: Onana 7, Dalot 7, Varane 7, Maguire 7, Shaw 7, Amrabat 7, McTominay 6, Antony 6, Fernandes 6, Garnacho 6, Hojlund 5. Subs: Evans 6, Wan-Bissaka 7, Hannibal 6, Pellistri 6, Mainoo 6.

Bayern Munich: Neuer 7, Mazrouai 7, Upamecano 8*, Kim 8, Davies 7, Kimmich 7, Goretzka 7, Coman 7, Musiala 7, Sane 7, Kane 7. Subs: Laimer 6, Muller 7, Tel 6, Guerreiro n/a.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

49’ MAN UTD CHANCE! Fernandes rifles a first-time effort from the edge of the box over the crossbar from Wan-Bissaka’s cut back.

71’ GOAL! Man Utd 0-1 Bayern (Kingsley Coman): Kane slips a delicious reverse pass into the path of Coman who lashes past Onana from close range.

83’ BAYERN CHANCE! Kane powers a free header an inch wide of the post from a right-wing corner.