Manchester United tumbles out of the UEFA Champions League after losing at Old Trafford against Bayern Munich. It is Manchester United’s seventh loss of the campaign, and pressure is rapidly building on Erik ten Hag to turn domestic fortune around. In that regard, Manchester United will also not play in the Europa League. After finishing at the bottom of the group, Manchester United misses out on all European action for the remainder of the season.

Bayern Munich already knew its fate as group winners. However, it deals another blow to Manchester United to win both fixtures over the English side. An underwhelming season takes another downward turn.

Elsewhere in the group, Copenhagen’s win over Galatasaray ensured the Danish side is advancing to the knockout stage of the Champions League. It is the first time the side has reached the round of 16 since the 2010/11 season. As stated, Galatasaray will fall into the Europa League playoff stage. There, it will have a chance to reach the Europa League round of 16 if it gets beyond a runner-up in the Europa League group stage.

Harry Kane returns to England to assist the goal to eliminate United

One of the storylines outside of the standings in Group A was Harry Kane playing in England for the first time at club level since leaving the Premier League. Manchester United desperately wanted Kane to suit up for them in the Premier League. He opted for the Bundesliga.

He is still haunting United on the day. His clever assist to Kingsley Coman provided the only goal of the game as Bayern Munich went out on top. The major concern though was the lack of energy Manchester United showed. The team seems to lack any form of identity. The usual ‘Fergie time’ magic when Manchester United would push for an equalizer or a winner was nonexistent.

Things do not get any easier for Manchester United, either. After losing 3-0 to Bournemouth in the Premier League this past weekend, United now has to go to Anfield. That task grows taller with the potential absences of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw. Both of United’s English defenders needed substitutions. Defending has been a notable issue, as United conceded 15 goals in the Champions League this season. Remarkably, United scored 12 goals in the group stage, which is more than most other teams in this phase.

Photos: Imago