2023-09-20 08:34:13
This Wednesday, while Lens will celebrate its return to the Champions League in Seville after 21 years of absence, the day after PSG’s entry into the running, other beautiful posters are on the program for the first group day of the 2023-2024 edition. Starting with a tempting Bayern Munich-Manchester United…
MU in the middle of a crisis
Bright red against pale red… On paper, the top match of the first day between Bayern Munich and Manchester United (9 p.m.) seems quite unbalanced. The Germans occupy 2nd place in the Bundesliga, tied on points with Leverkusen and their new English serial scorer Harry Kane has already scored four goals in as many matches.
On the Mancunian side, on the other hand, the start of the season has been nightmarish both on the pitch and behind the scenes. Injuries, uncertainties over the takeover of the club, extra-sporting problems (Jadon Sancho dismissed after a clash with coach Erik ten Hag, Antony accused of violence by several women)… In short, all the lights are red.
In the Premier League, the Red Devils are in 13th place in the standings with two wins and three defeats already, the worst start in the club’s history. ” In crisis ? No, but we have to be disappointed and angry with ourselves because the expectation at Manchester United is that we win matches,” says ten Hag, whose team has just been swept aside at Old Trafford by Brighton (1-3).
Among the bookmakers, the Dutchman is in pole position to be the first Premier League manager to be fired this season. Bayern and Kane are likely to reinforce this sad status… In the other Group A match, Galatasaray will start as favorite at home against Copenhagen (6:45 p.m.).
Real Madrid with Bellingham sauce
On the Bernabeu pitch, history will not carry the same weight between Real Madrid and Union Berlin (6:45 p.m.). The Madrilenians, with 14 Champions League trophies in their stadium museum, are the record holders for titles in the event. The Berliners are preparing to play the first C1 match of their club’s life…
Attractive for their debut in La Liga, Carlo Ancelotti’s men start as clear favorites. Deprived of Vinicius or Carvajal, both injured in the right thigh, the Merengue can count on Jude Bellingham. Arriving this summer from Dortmund, the England international was quick to gain unanimous support among his teammates and former White House staff.
“What fascinates people is that he is a little-known young person who suddenly found himself so naturally in a team full of superstars,” appreciates the German Bernd Schuster in Ace. He does not deflate in front of Kroos and Modric but learns alongside them. What had the most positive impact on me was that despite great difficulties, he never gave up and continued to fight. This attitude will be important for the future. »
In the other match in Group C, Braga will host Naples (9:00 p.m.).
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