Bayern Munich vs Manchester United

Allianz Arena forms the backdrop for a heavyweight Champions League Group A clash between Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

Drawn together with Manchester United in the same Champions League group for the first time since 2001, Bayern Munich will be keen to maintain their outstanding European run against the Old Trafford side after knocking them out of the competition in 2010 and 2014. With Harry Kane firing on all cylinders, the perennial Bundesliga champions enjoyed a stellar start to their title defense in Germany, winning their opening three league games by a combined score of 9-2 before drawing 2-2 against joint-pacesetters Bayer Leverkusen last weekend. The impending European return may help Bayern get back to winning ways as they’ve strung together 34 Champions League group stage fixtures without losing on home turf (W31, D3). That formidable run boosts Thomas Tuchel’s bid to preserve his 100% unbeaten managerial record against United at home (W3, D2).

On the other hand, Manchester United’s return to the Champions League after a season-long absence begins amid the club’s rough patch, with a demoralizing 3-1 home defeat to Brighton last weekend condemning them to a third loss in their first five Premier League matches this season (W2). That’s a feat they’ve never experienced in their top-flight history, putting manager Erik ten Hag under pressure ahead of arguably one of the most daunting road trips in European football. A lack of defensive solidity has seen the ‘Red Devils’ leak goals at a worrying rate, conceding ten times in their last four outings (W1, L3). On top of that, United’s well-documented travel sickness under Ten Hag further diminishes their hopes of upsetting Munich, with the three-time European champions losing five of their last six competitive games outside Old Trafford (W1).