In a crucial turn of events for Manchester United, manager Erik ten Hag has underlined the necessity of triumphing over FC Copenhagen to maintain their hopes of progressing to the Champions League knockout stages.
The Red Devils currently find themselves at the bottom of Group A, having suffered losses in their initial encounters against formidable opponents, Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
With FC Copenhagen, the reigning champions of Denmark, set to grace Old Trafford on Tuesday, Ten Hag has expressed an unequivocal stance on the importance of clinching a victory.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Ten Hag asserted, “When you find yourself in a predicament of losing your first two fixtures, there’s no room for compromise; you must secure a win.”
Furthermore, as United prepares for their first home game since the announcement of Sir Bobby Charlton’s passing at the age of 86, the atmosphere at Old Trafford is expected to be emotionally charged.
Manchester United unveil a tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton before their Champions League match against Copenhagen
Ten Hag paid homage to the unwavering support of the United faithful, stating, “Each night at Old Trafford is nothing short of special. Our fans consistently rally behind us, as exemplified in our last home game against Brentford. Even in trying circumstances when the game doesn’t swing our way, their support remains steadfast.”
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In terms of the upcoming fixture, Ten Hag went on to express, “Undoubtedly, tomorrow, in light of Sir Bobby Charlton’s recent passing—a true hero and legend—the emotional backdrop will be even more profound. His presence in front of Old Trafford alongside Denis Law and George Best is a constant source of inspiration for us, impacting every game.”
Manchester United, having endured a somewhat turbulent start to the season with six losses in their first ten matches, is now riding the wave of consecutive narrow victories over Brentford and Sheffield United.
Ten Hag’s squad is poised to chase their first three-game winning streak since May, and full-back Diogo Dalot remains optimistic. He believes that their recent resurgence can serve as a catalyst to steer their campaign in a positive direction.
“In every match, we view an opportunity to showcase our commitment to building confidence and momentum,” Dalot emphasized, acknowledging the significance of their recent wins. “These victories enable us to cultivate the confidence necessary to perform at our best. Our squad boasts exceptional talent, capable of turning the tide in our favor, even in challenging circumstances. It is imperative that we leverage these victories to bolster our confidence and maintain momentum.”