Copenhagen vs Manchester United
UEFA Champions League
Wednesday
8th November 2023
Telia Parken
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the UEFA Champions League matchday 4 fixture between Copenhagen and Manchester United.
Copenhagen vs Manchester United: Preview
Copenhagen form analysis
FC Copenhagen’s recent run of games has shown they can score goals consistently but their defending remains a worry, keeping just 1 clean sheet. They started with a nervous 2-1 home win over Vejle, coming from behind late on thanks to goals from Achouri and Elyounoussi. Things got worse next game with a disappointing 1-0 home loss to Manchester United in the Champions League, made to pay for passive first half defending by a Maguire header. Back on track in the league, Copenhagen secured a comfortable 4-0 home win over Hvidovre thanks to goals from Lerager, Claesson, Bardghji and Óskarsson.
However, defensive issues resurfaced in a narrow 1-0 away cup win at Midtjylland, relying on a late Bardghji goal for the points. Most recently they edged past Randers in a six goal thriller, with Claesson, Larsson and Froholdt on target in another open contest. Overall, Copenhagen have impressive attacking talents like Daramy and Elyounoussi. However, they must tighten up defensively to make an impact in Europe this season.
Manchester United form analysis
United’s recent run of games has showcased their ongoing inconsistencies under Erik ten Hag. They started with a gritty come from behind 2-1 away win at Sheffield United. Thanks to goals from McTominay and Dalot after initially going behind. Building on this, United ground out a narrow 1-0 home win over FC Copenhagen in Europe courtesy of Maguire’s header. However, familiar problems surfaced in a heavy 0-3 home loss to rivals Man City. They were totally outclassed after a passive first half.
This continued in their next game as they were thrashed 0-3 away at Newcastle. They were torn apart on the break after more poor defending. Most recently they left it late to beat Fulham 1-0 away thanks to a 90th minute Fernandes goal in another unconvincing display. Overall, ten Hag’s United remains a team very much in transition. They are capable of moments of quality but also concerning defensive frailties and overreliance on stars like Fernandes and Casemiro. Signs of brilliance are there but greater consistency is badly needed.
