Erik ten Hag told his Manchester United players to make sure they get straight back into the Champions League next season after a dismal European campaign ended in an early exit at the hands of Bayern Munich on Tuesday night.
Kingsley Coman’s 70th-minute goal, laid on by Harry Kane, gave the Germans a 1-0 win and ensured United finished bottom of Group A – beaten to second place by FC Copenhagen, operating on a fraction of their budget, and to third and the consolation of Europa League football by Galatasaray.
The final whistle was greeted with boos at Old Trafford, where United lost for the seventh time this season – having now lost more games in all competitions, 12, than they have won, 11.
Final standings 🔢#UCL pic.twitter.com/MedgHSSx1g
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 12, 2023
Ten Hag’s side are out of Europe, out of the League Cup, and sixth in the Premier League going into Sunday’s visit to leaders Liverpool. Defeat also came at a cost, with both Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw picking up injuries before half-time.
“There are still many things to play for now, we can focus on the Premier League,” Ten Hag said.
“This is the level we want to play, the Champions League, so we have to give every effort to get into the top four so next year we are back in the Champions League – and of course there is the FA Cup so there are still many things to play for.”
In a match they needed to win, United mustered only one shot on target, a Shaw effort that never really troubled Manuel Neuer. A much better chance fell to Bruno Fernandes early in the second half but the captain blazed over.
Bayern, already assured of top spot in the group, barely needed to get out of second gear but Ten Hag insisted his side performed well.
“I think the game was like this, both sides had less chances but I think there was a good intensity from our side,” the Dutchman said.
“We brought Bayern out of their rhythm, the defending organisation we did quite well if not very well, especially the first part of second half. Also we had a very good chance from Bruno, so we had our moments but didn’t take them.”
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel, who bounced back from Saturday’s 5-1 humbling away to Eintracht Frankfurt, admitted he had expected United to progress from Group A and had sympathy for Ten Hag’s position – pointing to United’s long list of absentees.
“I think you could see it’s not an easy time for them. I’m pretty sure he knows what to do next, how to influence his team and he doesn’t need any advice from me,” Tuchel said. “He is experienced enough to go through it.”
Kane set up Coman’s goal with a perfectly placed pass with the outside of his boot and the man United coveted for so long was a constant menace as he linked up Bayern’s attacking play and sent a late header narrowly wide.
“Harry is a difference maker, 100 per cent,” Tuchel said of the England captain. “His personality, his calmness.
“The team knows anything can happen any minute with Harry up front. He can always assist, he can always score.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. VVD : Don't forget to buy the CB Only legends know the meaning of this.. Grown men doing the Gyokeres celebration whilst running down the street… Genius from this Liverpool fan England: Can you share with us Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: zhibo8, Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball)...
Rodygo's brutal stance on Tottenham transfer revealedTottenham Hotspur have expressed interest in signing Rodrygo Goes from Real Madrid, but the Brazilian winger reportedly has no intention of joining the Premier League side. While the Lilywhites have explored a possible move, the 24-year-old has his sights set on a 'bigger club than Tottenham' if he leaves the Santiago Bernabeu this summer follow...
Leicester are aiming to build a squad capable of making an immediate return to the Premier League for the 2026-27 season, and to do this, they may need to sign a new starting goalkeeper. Mads Hermansen has attracted strong interest from West Ham in recent weeks, and if he does depart, a replacement would be needed.If Hermansen does leave, Leicester will hope to secure a significant fee, which will...
Pep Guardiola has reiterated that he will take a break from coaching after leaving Manchester City, admitting it could be as long as 15 years.The Spaniard, 54, is the most successful manager in City's history, having won 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.His contract expires in 2027 and while Guardiola has not specified when he will leave the club, he has on...
Benjamin Sesko is reportedly 'impressed' by Manchester United after being made aware of Ruben Amorim's long-term plans. A pursuit of a new centre-forward could lead the Red Devils towards making a formal approach for the RB Leipzig star.United will not be deterred in their search for a new No. 9 despite missing out on Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres. Amorim has already improved his forward line wit...
Chelsea accept Al Nassr offer for FelixChelsea have accepted an offer from Al Nassr for Joao Felix.The Portugal attacker is on his way to Saudi Arabia after Chelsea agreed a €30m fee with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr.The deal includes a sell-on clause which will meet the original €50m Chelsea were demanding, says TMW.All parties are now in agreement and contracts are being drawn up.Fel...
Man Utd and Newcastle in talks with Sesko's management with offers expected very soonManchester United and Newcastle United are in talks with Benjamin Sesko's management this week as they prepare a bid for the striker.Leipzig are not expected to allow the 22-year-old to depart on the cheap, with between 360M and 380M reported to be their asking price this summer as they seek to sell the Slovenian ...
Roony scores on Barcelona debut in victory over Vissel KobeRoony Bardghji featured and scored on an unofficial debut for Barcelona today.Barca played a friendly against Vissel Kobe in a training match today, winning 3-1.Roony was a second-half substitute, along with fellow new arrival Marcus Rashford, and struck after good lead-up play from Robert Lewandowski.Eric Garcia gave Barca the lead in the...
Real Madrid drop asking price for Rodrygo after Liverpool sell Diaz to Bayern MunichLiverpool have gotten a transfer boost as Real Madrid have set a new asking price for Rodrygo this summer.Liverpool also continue to be linked with a blockbuster move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak in a deal that would please fans but would not make a lot of sense on paper after the sale of Diaz to Bay...
Inter may drop Lookman chase as CEO eyes ‘crucial’ week Inter Milan may abandon their pursuit of Ademola Lookman as they await Atalanta’s response to their initial offer this week.The Serie A side submitted a new €45 million (339m/$42m) bid for the Nigeria international, according to Calciomercato, following the rejection of their initial offer.CEO Beppe Marotta described t...
- 1 Loris Karius lifts lid on relationship with Diletta Leotta
- 2 Jack Grealish shares sweet holiday snaps as girlfriend stuns in a yellow maxi dress
- 3 Man City make move for Jules Kounde
- 4 Enzo Fernandez agrees Real Madrid move
- 5 Man City to re-sign Trafford in $36M deal
- 6 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 7 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 8 Ex-Prem star 'drowned in pool hours before flight home for son's birthday'
- 9 Man City boss Guardiola delivers definitive answer to Barcelona return question
- 10 Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides injury update on Gabriel Magalhaes & Jurrien Timber after defensive pair sit out Gunners' pre-season win over AC Milan