Copenhagen vs Man Utd predictions & Champions League tips
Manchester United face another test of character in the Champions League when they visit FC Copenhagen in a vital clash for both sides (TNT Sports 1, 8pm).
The Red Devils edged past the Danish outfit by the finest of margins at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture to record their first win of the group stage.
Harry Maguire scored the only goal of the game, but United were indebted to a penalty save from Andre Onana in stoppage time to secure the three points.
Erik ten Hag’s side still trail second-place Galatasaray by one point in second place in Group A, while Bayern Munich lead the way at the top of the standings with a 100 per cent record.
Copenhagen are point of the section on one point and another defeat will likely spell the end of their last 16 hopes. So, there's plenty to play for in Denmark on Wednesday.
United are still struggling for fluency and were thankful to Bruno Fernandes’ late strike against Fulham to lift the gloom of a difficult week after losing successive home matches to Manchester City and Newcastle United.
Despite their recent issues, have United installed as the odds-on favourites for the win at Parken Stadium, which is surprising given their issues this term.
We’ve looked at the best for our three predictions for the game.
The game at Old Trafford could have gone either way. United were unconvincing at home, and the contest was perhaps a sign of things to come ahead of defeats to City and Newcastle.
Unlike the two English sides, Copenhagen failed to capitalise on their opportunities in the final third.
Although Ten Hag’s men were not perfect, Maguire was on the mark to head home Christian Eriksen’s cross to put them in front before Onana made himself the hero by denying Viktor Claesson from the penalty spot.
Given the way both teams defended at Old Trafford, there could be plenty of chances on offer at Parken Stadium.
Both managers will be looking for a clinical edge from their sides. As Copenhagen need to force the issue, there could be space for United to exploit on the counter with Marcus Rashford - if he returns after a knock - and Antony.
At the same time, Elias Achouri, Diogo Goncalves and Claesson will also fancy their chances of breaching the United backline.
After looking at the odds with , we’re going back both teams to score, and United may just have the extra edge to get a decisive strike to secure the three points.
Rasmus Hojlund was born in Copenhagen and returns to Parken Stadium almost two years after leaving the club.
The striker played 27 first-team games for Copenhagen, scoring five goals before he left for Sturm Graz, then Atalanta and eventually signing for United in the summer. Hojlund is well travelled for a player that has just surpassed 100 professional appearances.
The 20-year-old has scored three Champions League goals this season, including a brace against Galatasaray. However, Hojlund has yet to score in the Premier League and has gone six games without finding the net in a United shirt.
He did have opportunities against Copenhagen and has spurned good chances since, notably in the Manchester derby where he failed to take advantage of a one-on-one.
In his last two games, Hojlund has not even registered an attempt, which is a concern for Ten Hag.
Facing his hometown club could provide the motivation that the Dane needs to kickstart his United career. With our second bet, we’re taking Hojlund to get on the scoresheet any time at 6/4 with William Hill.
Both teams have been fairly well disciplined across all competitions this season.
Manchester United have picked up one red card in the Champions League when Casemiro was dismissed in their clash with Galatasaray, but for most games, Ten Hag’s men have not been overzealous on the pitch.
Copenhagen also had a man sent off against Galatasaray, but since then have only picked up three yellow cards in the following two Champions League outings.
Simon Sinclair is an experienced sports journalist, who has written for national publications for football, cricket, NFL and many more. He contributes tips on a wide range of sports for The Independent.
