A tactical preview of Manchester United versus FC Copenhagen in the Champions League

This evening, Manchester United will travel to Denmark to play FC Copenhagen in a pivotal Champions League group match.

United’s hopes of qualifying are still hanging in the balance after two defeats in their first two games and a close victory at Old Trafford against their opponents tonight.

Erik ten Hag’s team’s travel to Turkey on Matchday 5 will determine the outcome of their Group A campaign if they win all three points today evening and Bayern Munich defeats Galatasaray in Germany.

Despite a lackluster performance in the rematch, Ten Hag is fully aware of the importance of United winning this evening and will be counting on his team to do it.

The Danish striker, who is playing against his old team, Rasmus Hojlund, will probably be United’s most potent weapon this evening.

The 20-year-old is eager to establish himself on home soil because his finest performances have come in the Champions League for his new team.

Getting the ball to the dangerous two will be crucial, but letting Marcus Rashford and Thomas Hojlund unleash their explosive pace could prove to be too much for the Danish Champions.

Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen will likely join Bruno Fernandes as the attacking three surrounding Rashford and Hojlund, and their ability to switch up will keep Copenhagen guessing as the technical nature of European football suits them both.

All of them are capable of playing both wide and in the middle, and if they can work effectively together, United should have a fantastic evening.

In order for United to ultimately get their playmakers into the game, Andre Onana, who has appeared more often than anticipated since his arrival, will undoubtedly be entrusted with popping the ball into his back four.

After that, it will be up to the attacking talent to switch things up and work together to feed Hojlund in particular, who appears to have a goal in him for Europe despite his current domestic goal drought.

United will undoubtedly need to adjust to the new environment, and as an exciting atmosphere is anticipated in Denmark, possession of the ball early on will be essential.

Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez are still out for United,

but Harry Maguire—who has been playing well lately—and the seasoned Raphael Varane ought to be content enough to take the ball and attack.

There will be no justification for being caught off guard tonight after Copenhagen proved they were a threat at Old Trafford.

Expect Hojlund to be the difference maker and relieve some of the burden on his boss, who has faced criticism this season, if he can maintain his strong performance in Europe.

On a night when United must win to avoid an ignominious early exit from Europe’s top competition, an early goal would be the ideal remedy for any anxieties.