Bayern Munich vs Manchester United: Champions League Matchday 6 Preview
The final Champions League game of 2023 for Bayern Munich will be an away trip to Old Trafford on Tuesday. The Bavarian club has already clinched qualification for the next round, so Tuesday’s game should be a mere formality. However, the heavy defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday surely made this game crucial for Tuchel and his team.
It is a must-win game for Manchester United to have a chance of qualifying for the next round of the competition. They are also coming into this game on the back of a horrendous 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth in the Premier League. Bayern had narrowly won the game at Allianz Arena earlier this season, so it is going to be an exciting encounter on Tuesday. Let us look at the team news and possible starting XI for Die Roten.
Team News
Sven Ulreich has been ruled out for the trip to Manchester due to a minor injury. Matthijs de Ligt has been running on the pitch at Sabner Strasse, but the game against Manchester United is too early for him. It remains to be seen if he will play again this year.
Bouna Sarr also remains on the sidelines after undergoing surgery for a knee injury. Serge Gnabry will also miss the game against Manchester United after suffering a serious injury against Eintracht Frankfurt. Jamal Musiala is expected to get his first start since suffering a hamstring injury against Galatasaray in November.
Predicted Starting XI
The defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt has made sure that Thomas Tuchel will not heavily rotate against Manchester United. Manuel Neuer will start in the goal on Tuesday. Neuer will look to keep a clean sheet against the Red Devils after conceding five on Saturday in Frankfurt.
Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano will continue to play in the heart of defense. Both defenders were far from their best on Saturday, but Tuesday provides them the perfect opportunity to bounce back from the aberration in Frankfurt. Konrad Laimer will start in the right-back position, while Raphael Guerreiro will slot in the left-back position.
Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka struggled to control the tempo of the game against Frankfurt. They were second-best with and without the ball on Saturday. The German midfielder will look to stamp their authority at Old Trafford as Tuchel is expected to stick with them in the center of the park.
Tuchel will stick to his best attack against Manchester United. Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman will occupy the flanks, while Jamal Musiala will get a start in the number ten role for the first time in a month. Harry Kane will be eager to get back amongst goals after failing to find the net against Frankfurt.
Bayern XI- Neuer-Laimer, Min-jae, Upamecano, Guerreiro-Kimmich, Goretzka-Coman, Musiala, Sane-Kane
Score Prediction
Manchester United 1-3 Bayern Munich
Manchester United desperately need a win on Tuesday to have a chance of qualifying for the next round, so I am expecting them to start all guns blazing and get the first goal. However, the Red Devils have struggled to be consistent over 90 minutes this season. Bayern will eventually grow into the game and score three goals to bounce back from Saturday’s nightmare against Eintracht Frankfurt.