Manchester United’s turbulent season took another hit as their slim chances of progressing to the Champions League last-16 were extinguished with a 1-0 defeat against group winners Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Needing a victory against Bayern and hoping for a draw in the Copenhagen vs. Galatasaray match, United saw neither scenario unfold. Kingsley Coman sealed the victory for Bayern with a close-range goal in the 70th minute, leaving the three-time European champions unbeaten in Group A with 16 points.
United’s fourth-place finish in the group, with just four points, means they miss out on even a Europa League playoff spot. The disappointing result was met with boos from the home crowd as the final whistle blew.
Reflecting on the defeat, United’s manager Erik ten Hag admitted, “We didn’t make it, we have to accept and learn from it. We made mistakes. Today the performance was very good. We didn’t deserve to lose, but we lost the game.”
This marks United’s sixth exit at the group stage, with their hopes already hanging by a thread after a 3-3 draw against Galatasaray on November 29. Bayern Munich, having secured top spot in the group, demonstrated their dominance with a 4-3 win in their previous encounter with United in Munich.
Kingsley Coman’s decisive goal highlighted defensive lapses in the United side, contributing to their 15 goals conceded— the most by any English team in this year’s group stage. The defeat adds to United’s woes, having suffered 12 defeats in 24 games across all competitions this season.
Harry Maguire’s departure due to a groin injury further compounded United’s misery. Despite having opportunities, including shots from Bruno Fernandes, United managed just one shot on target.
Bayern Munich’s win, coupled with Copenhagen’s 1-0 victory over Galatasaray, solidified Bayern’s place at the top of the group and sent Copenhagen into the Champions League knockout round. Galatasaray secured the Europa League playoff spot, leaving Manchester United to contemplate a challenging season ahead in domestic competitions.
