Published on 13.12.2023
Manchester United has been eliminated from Europe after being defeated by Bayern Munich for the second time this season.
It was their losses to Copenhagen and Galatasaray that ultimately sealed their fate. Not only did they fail to advance in the Champions League, but they also finished at the bottom of their group.
European nights hold a special place in Manchester United’s history, from tragedy to triumph. The statues honoring legends Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, and Denis Law commemorate the club’s success in 1968. The recent visit from Bayern Munich evokes memories of that magical moment in 1999.
🗣️ 'It never ceases to amaze when you watch them play as limply as that'
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 12, 2023
Reaction after Manchester United were knocked out of European competition with a whimper 🔴 pic.twitter.com/wnFFTARwnc
While Jose Mourinho may have downplayed Manchester United’s “football heritage,” he still managed to navigate through the Champions League group stage during his tenure with two successful attempts. However, even Erik ten Hag’s team couldn’t achieve such modest ambitions.
The draw seemed favorable for Manchester United as Copenhagen and Galatasaray appeared beatable opponents alongside a formidable Bayern Munich side. Unfortunately, not only were they beaten by all three teams but they also conceded more goals than any other team in the competition upon exiting.
It seems impossible, but the Champions League is designed to prevent such failures for the wealthiest clubs in the game. The top three teams in Spain and Germany had already advanced with a game to spare, along with Inter, Arsenal, and Manchester City. This group was not a nightmare or an arduous challenge like Newcastle had faced. Yet somehow, Manchester United managed to create problems where there were none. They only secured one victory out of six attempts, thanks to a last-minute penalty save by Andre Onana.
“Ten Hag stated before the match that we can do it when we are at our best,” said Thomas Tuchel. “We are preparing ourselves for facing the best United team.” As the old nursery rhyme goes, when they are good, they are really good; but when they’re bad, they’re horrid.
Ten Hag has consistently highlighted his team’s pressing statistics – and it’s justified. This season, Manchester United has experienced more high turnovers than any other team (defined as winning possession within 40 meters of their opponent’s goal).
