On Tuesday, Manchester United will play against FC Copenhagen in an important Champions League game. Manchester United is one of the biggest and most famous soccer teams in the world. But they have started the Champions League very badly this season, losing their first two games. Copenhagen is from Denmark and are big underdogs, but have played well in Europe so far.

The game is at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester United's famous home ground. They need to win this match to get their first 3 points and start turning their European form around. But Copenhagen is on a long unbeaten run away from home in Europe and will be tough to beat.

This is a huge game for Manchester United. Their manager Erik ten Hag has not been happy with how they have played lately. Their fans will expect them to win at home against a smaller club like Copenhagen. But United will need to play much better than they have been to get the win.

Manchester United vs FC København

The much-anticipated match will take place on Wednesday, October 25th, 2023, at Old Trafford

Man United Yet To Get Going in Europe

For a club of Manchester United's massive stature, their start to the Champions League this season has been dreadful. Two losses in two games while allowing 6 goals is well below United's standards.

First, they fell short against German kings Bayern Munich. But then Turkish club Galatasaray embarrassed United 3-2 right at Old Trafford. Being beaten at home in Europe left manager Erik ten Hag and the fans fuming.

Incredibly, United are now winless in their last 5 Champions League matches, losing the last 3. Turning their European form around against Copenhagen is an absolute must.

Dipping Domestic Form Also Worrying

While United have struggled in the Champions League, their Premier League form has dipped lately too after a positive start under ten Hag.

They lost to local rivals Manchester City a couple of weeks ago. And even recent wins over Brentford and Sheffield United weren't very convincing for a club like Man United.

So Ten Hag's rebuild still has a ways to go it seems. Getting a confidence boost by beating Copenhagen would do this inconsistent United squad some good.

Midfield Woes Limiting Red Devils

In central midfield, United lacks an authoritative presence to control games. With Danish enforcer Christian Eriksen injured, the likes of Scott McTominay have struggled.

The midfield pairing gets overwhelmed too easily, giving the ball away cheaply. This puts extra pressure on United's shaky defense. Finding the right midfield blend has been a real problem area.

Against Modric and Kroos of Real Madrid in their next game, United's midfield deficiency could be badly exposed. Toughening up this area is crucial.

Trusty Andre Onana Key In Goal

While United have big issues in midfield and attack, at least they can rely on the incredible Andre Onana in goal. De Gea has saved United countless times over the years.

Despite the defense surrendering 6 goals already in Europe, Onana has made highlight-reel saves in both matches to keep the scores from getting embarrassing.

If United's attack misfires again, they may need another superhuman performance from Onana to have any chance at a result. He will need to stand on his head.

Copenhagen A Dangerous Proposition

While Danish side Copenhagen are underdogs on paper, they come into this tie full of confidence having drawn with both Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.

Copenhagen played attacking soccer and already put 2 goals past mighty Bayern in Germany. They are on an incredible 14-game unbeaten run away from home in Europe, so travel well.

United cannot afford to take Copenhagen lightly. The Danes have the ability and belief now to make life very tough for the English giants.

All Square Seems Likely Result

Given both teams' form and desire for their first Champions League win, a tense draw seems a probable outcome from this clash.

United's home struggles and midfield troubles mean breaking down Copenhagen's organized defense will be difficult. And the Danes have enough firepower to threaten on the counterattack.

A stalemate would not be a disastrous result for either club. But if United misfires again, Copenhagen could snatch a famous win at Old Trafford.

One thing is certain - United must play much better than their first two European games, or Copenhagen will make them pay! This is a huge match at this stage of the competition for the Red Devils.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United: Andre Onana, V. Lindelof, H. Maguire, R. Varane, Diogo Dalot, S. Amrabat, S. McTominay, M. Rashford, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, R. Hojlund

FC Copenhagen: K. Grabara, B. Meling, Denis Vavro, Kevin Diks, P. Ankersen, R. Falk Jensen, L. Lerager, D. Goncalves, E. Achouri, M. Elyounoussi, V. Claesson

Key Battles

Midfield Battle - Manchester United's midfield has struggled recently. They find it hard to keep the ball and control matches. Players like Scott McTominay will have to step up. Copenhagen has some good midfielders like Zeca who could take over the game if United's midfield plays poorly again. Winning the midfield battle will be key.

Andre Onana vs Copenhagen Attackers - United's goalkeeper Onana has been amazing, saving them many times already. He will need to be great again to stop Copenhagen's dangerous forwards like Claesson from scoring. Onana will be United's most important player.

Bruno Fernandes vs Copenhagen Defense - Brunswick Fernandes is Manchester United's best creative player. But recently he has not produced his best form and helped the attack enough. Fernandes will need to have a big game, creating and scoring goals to break down Copenhagen's solid defense.

Conclusion

This Champions League match is about Manchester United getting back on track after two bad losses. They need to start playing like a top team again. At home against Copenhagen is the perfect chance to build confidence and get their first 3 points.

It will not be easy though. Copenhagen has drawn with Bayern Munich and Galatasaray already. They are a good team that could spring a surprise. Manchester United still have problems in midfield and attack that must improve.

The players know the fans at Old Trafford expect a win. If United can get the ball to Bruno Fernandes in dangerous areas, he can unlock Copenhagen's defense. But it will likely be a close, hard-fought match. Both teams are desperate for the win.