Just when you think it can't get any worse for Manchester United, they surprise us all.
Erik ten Hag produced some excellent work during his debut season to return the Red Devils to the Champions League, but United's dire start to the 2023/24 season looks to be quickly undermining the Dutchman's initial promise.
They certainly aren't enjoying their return to Europe's big time.
An expected defeat in Munich on Matchday 1 rendered their next encounter at home to a star-studded (if it was 2017) Galatasaray outfit a must-win, or, at least, a must-not-lose fixture.
Despite an excellent display from summer arrival Rasmus Hojlund, inexplicable defensive lines and woeful individual errors meant Ten Hag's side slumped to a 3-2 defeat. Zero points from their opening two group games - the first time they've ever achieved that feat in this competition - leave them with a mountain to climb if they're to progress into the Champions League knockout stages.
How can Man Utd reach the Champions League knockout stages?
Group A table
It's no surprise United are bottom of the pile in Group A having lost their opening two. Their woeful start means they simply have to beat Kobenhavn twice if they're to qualify for the round of 16.
The Danes, however, have looked bright at the start of their Champions League campaign. They would have beaten Galatasaray in Istanbul had they not gone down to ten players and Bayern found it tough at the Parken on Matchday 2 with Kobenhavn perhaps worthy of at least a point. Instead, they fell to a 2-1 defeat.
United will have their eyes on Galatasaray's upcoming duels with Bayern and hope the German outfit win both. At this stage, the Red Devils have little hope of progressing as Group A winners and should instead pray Bayern get the business done in their three remaining fixtures against Galatasaray and Kobenhavn.
However, Die Roten's vulnerabilities mean it's no banker that they'll once again end the group phase with a 100% record.
If United can beat Kobenhavn twice and Galatasaray are twice defeated by Bayern, it'll likely come down to the duel in Istanbul on Matchday 5. If the aforementioned scenario plays out, United will be on six points and Galatasaray four by the time the reverse fixture rolls around. Should the Red Devils avoid defeat in Turkey, they'll have a good chance of making the last 16 (even if their head-to-head record with Galatasaray works against them) with Bayern potentially resting starters on Matchday 6.
However, with this United outfit, it's not going to be that simple. Kobenhavn will be licking their lips when they visit Old Trafford.
Man Utd 2023/24 Champions League fixtures and results
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This article was originally published on 90min as How can Man Utd reach the Champions League knockout stages?.