Man Utd’s Champions League hopes are on a knife edge as they welcome German giants Bayern Munich to Old Trafford tonight.
The Red Devils find themselves in a precarious situation heading into their final group stage game with their fate out of their own hands.
Man United need a rapid response from a humbling defeat to Bournemouth Credit: Getty
Erik ten Hag’s side are bottom of Group A after just one win in five matches but can somehow sneak through to the last 16.
However, the visit of already-qualified Bayern represents a tough task, with the Bundesliga champions unbeaten in their last 19 away Champions League group stage games.
What do Man United need to qualify for last 16?
United need to beat Bayern and hope results in the game between Copenhagen and Galatasaray also go their way.
If Ten Hag’s men beat Thomas Tuchel’s side and the other match in the group is a draw then United will advance to the knockout stages.
Man United last 16: Permutations
If Man United win:
This is the only scenario in which the Red Devils can advance to the last 16, but they also need Copenhagen and Galatasaray to draw.
However, if United win but there is also a victor between Copenhagen and Galatasaray – regardless of who for – then the club will finish third and be demoted to the Europa League.
Harry Kane and co. swept Man United aside on matchday oneCredit: Getty
If Man United draw:
United cannot qualify for the Champions League last 16 with a point, but it could still be enough for a spot in the Europa League.
If United draw with Bayern and Galatasaray beat Copenhagen then they could finish above the Danish side in third as the two sides are level in the head-to-head tiebreaker and final positions will be determined by either goal difference or goals scored.
However, a United draw coupled with a Copenhagen victory would leave them behind Galatasaray in Group A due to having an inferior head-to-head record against the Turkish outfit.
If United are held by Bayern but the game between Galatasaray and Copenhagen is also a stalemate then they will also finish bottom.
If Man United lose:
This result will see United finish bottom of Group A regardless of what happens in the other game in Denmark.
