Bayern Munich vs Manchester United UCL Preview

It’s that time of the year. Matchday one of the 2023-24 Champions League season begins this week and come Wednesday, we’ll have a massive clash on our hands between Bayern Munich and Manchester United. The kick-off is scheduled for 3 PM ET at the Allianz Arena in Munich. These two are expected to prevail out of Group A, but Galatasaray and Copenhagen will be hoping to spoil the party. The hosts are coming off a disappointing 2-2 draw on Friday in Bundesliga action, while the Red Devils suffered a 3-1 defeat to in-form Brighton. Continue reading for the preview.

Bayern vs Man United History

There is no shortage of history between two of the continent’s biggest clubs. Bayern and United have locked horns a total of 11 times in the Champions League. The Germans hold the edge with four wins, while the Red Devils have two victories. One of those came in the 1999 showpiece, however. They’ve also played to five draws all-time. 

Bayern should win this group

The Bavarians aren’t just a heavy -200 favorite for this fixture at 888sport, they’re also expected to finish at the top of Group A quite easily. But first, the focus will just be on finding a positive result Wednesday on home soil. Bayern is currently tied for first place in the German top flight with Leverkusen through four games and would be clear at the top if they didn’t slip up on matchday four.

Harry Kane opened the scoring with his head in the seventh minute before Grimaldo equalized for the visitors later in the first half. Leon Goretzka then scored what looked to be the winner in the 86th minute, but Alphonso Davies unfortunately conceded a penalty in injury time which helped Leverkusen salvage a point.

⏪ @leroy_sane opening our account in style in the #UCL last season 💫#MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/GNQt9Q6LTk

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) September 18, 2023

On a more positive note, Bayern has never lost at the Allianz Arena to United, notching three victories and also drawing two times. It’s hard to imagine them dropping more points here after doing so just a few days ago. But, the Germans cannot take the Red Devils for granted, despite their poor form.

United need a result

Poor form is right. Erik ten Hag is under serious fire from the supporters in particular after taking off summer signing Rasmus Hojlund over the weekend in the second half but that’s not the only reason Red Devils fans are frustrated. Manchester has just two wins to go along with three defeats to begin the Premier League campaign, scoring just six times while conceding 10 goals. Far from ideal. That has United down in 13th spot. 

Brighton absolutely ran riot on the hosts at Old Trafford Saturday, putting themselves three goals to the good by the 71st minute. Hannibal Mejbri got one back in the 73rd minute in breathtaking fashion, but it was too little too late. It’s absolutely crucial that the Red Devils grab a point at the very minimum here given their brutal string of results. That being said, it will be extremely tough to do against a Bayern side that is very strong at home.

Manchester United have lost three of their five Premier League games this season and face Bayern Munich in the Champions League next.

Yikes 😬 pic.twitter.com/gZ6Klbdr81

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) September 16, 2023

For what it’s worth, Barcelona is the only team to beat United more often in the Champions League than Bayern. Not exactly a great sign ahead of their trip to Munich. And considering how vulnerable ten Hag’s backline has been, it’s difficult to imagine them stopping a clinical Bayern attack led by Kane, who is loving life in Germany. Their abilities in front of goal is a big reason the visitors are a clear underdog at all soccer betting sites.