Scholes does not believe Man Utd will pass the Champions League group stage

Former midfielder Paul Scholes believes it will be difficult for Man Utd to beat hosts Copenhagen in the fourth round of Group A of the Champions League.

If Galatasaray fail to beat Bayern and Man Utd defeat Copenhagen, the "Red Devils" will finish second in Group A and have the right to decide their own progression. However, witnessing the form of his former team, Scholes does not think so. "Man Utd were very lucky to beat Copenhagen at Old Trafford, so they will face many difficulties when they have to play away in Denmark. The home team can create terrible pressure and Man Utd can collapse."

In the previous match, Man Utd needed a goal from centre-back Harry Maguire and a penalty save from goalkeeper Andre Onana to beat Copenhagen 1-0. Despite being rated higher and playing at home, the "Red Devils" had fewer shots. Today, Copenhagen will return to Parken Stadium, where they have just won three consecutive matches.

Defender Diogo Dalot celebrates victory, in the match between Man Utd and Copenhagen at Old Trafford, Manchester, England in the third round of Group A of the Champions League on the evening of October 24, 2023. Photo: Reuters — Defender Diogo Dalot celebrates victory, in the match between Man Utd and Copenhagen at Old Trafford, Manchester, England in the third round of Group A of the Champions League on the evening of October 24, 2023. Photo: *Reuters*

If Galatasaray beat Bayern and Man Utd fail to get all three points against Copenhagen, Erik ten Hag's team's chances of progressing are slim. "If I had to bet, I don't think Man Utd will get past the group stage," Scholes added. "Copenhagen are not too strong, but they are well organised. But if they win, Man Utd will have a better chance of going through."

According to Opta 's prediction, Man Utd have a 54% chance of winning Copenhagen, a 23% draw and a 21% loss. Their chance of advancing is 46.85%, similar to Galatasaray's 46.73%, while Copenhagen has only a 6.51% chance. Bayern, after three wins, have a 99.91% chance of advancing.

The last time Man Utd were eliminated in the group stage was in the 2020-21 season under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, when they finished behind PSG and Leipzig. The team was relegated to the Europa League, where they reached the final but lost on penalties to Villarreal.

Copenhagen are the most traditional club in Denmark, with 15 national championships, despite being founded in 1992. Their best achievement in Europe was reaching the round of 16 of the Champions League in the 2010-2011 season, but lost to Chelsea.

Hoang An

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