Champions League

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Champions League | Group Stage

Oct 24, 2023 at 8pm UK

Old Trafford

Man Utd
1 - 0
Copenhagen

Maguire (72')
Fernandes (80'), McTominay (90+5')

FT(HT: 0-0)

How Manchester United could line up against Copenhagen

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 22 October 2023

How Man United could line up against Copenhagen

Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Manchester United could line up for Tuesday's Champions League Group A clash with Copenhagen.

Manchester United will have to make do without the suspended Casemiro for Tuesday's Champions League Group A affair with Danish champions Copenhagen.

The Brazilian was given his marching orders in the 3-2 loss to Galatasaray on matchday two, although he was absent from Saturday's win over Sheffield United due to a blow to the ankle anyway.

Casemiro is expected to be one of eight absentees for the ravaged Red Devils this week, as all of Amad Diallo (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Jadon Sancho (disciplinary), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (muscle), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Luke Shaw (muscle) remain on the sidelines too.

However, Erik ten Hag should have Sergio Reguilon back from his hamstring issue, and the Tottenham Hotspur loanee could slot straight back into the team on the left-hand side of defence over Victor Lindelof, who assisted Diogo Dalot's stunning winner at Bramall Lane.

Dalot will no doubt hold his place on the right, while Harry Maguire put in a good shift at his old home and is in line to retain his spot in defence ahead of Andre Onana, although Jonny Evans may relinquish his place to Raphael Varane.

Scott McTominay's opener at Sheffield United could see the Scotsman continue in the engine room too, but Ten Hag may be hesitant to start Sofyan Amrabat twice in quick succession following a recent fitness scare, so Denmark native Christian Eriksen is primed to feature.

Bruno Fernandes scored the only goal when Man United defeated Copenhagen in the quarter-finals of the 2019-20 Europa League, and despite an uninspiring display at Bramall Lane, the skipper should join Antony and Marcus Rashford as the supporting cast once more.

Seeking to build on a promising tally of three goals from his opening two Champions League games, Rasmus Hojlund will lead the line and reunite with his younger brother Oscar Hojlund, who is expected to be on the Copenhagen bench.

Manchester United possible starting lineup: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon; Eriksen, McTominay; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund