Manchester United finds themselves in a precarious position as they attempt to advance in the Champions League. Erik ten Hag’s squad suffered a significant setback on Wednesday night when, despite holding a two-point lead, they were defeated 4-3 by Copenhagen. After United squandered a two-goal lead due to Marcus Rashford’s red card, the pressure on Erik ten Hag increased.

Subsequently, a Bruno Fernandes penalty restored their lead, but the Danes closed the game with two goals in the final three minutes to secure all three points and surpass their hosts in the group standings.

Two games remain and United’s path to the Round of 16 appears increasingly complicated. Bayern Munich has secured the group victory and is now untouchable, with only one place remaining. In light of this, the following section describes how the Red Devils may still advance.

United should advance if they win their final two matches, away at Galatasaray and at home against Bayern Munich. Copenhagen’s elimination in that circumstance would be deemed possible only if they were to triumph over Galatasaray and Bayern Munich in their remaining contests.

In order to secure a place in the final four, the Red Devils would need Copenhagen to suffer a loss to Bayern Munich and a draw with Galatasaray, should they surpass that team. Under such conditions, should Galatasaray triumph over Copenhagen in the championship match, the deciding factor would be the head-to-head record.

A similar scenario would require United to draw with Galatasaray and defeat Bayern Munich; however, based on the head-to-head record, any outcome other than a draw between Galatasaray and Copenhagen would be acceptable. This is due to the fact that four points would advance United to seven points, a total that Copenhagen and Galatasaray, both of which have a better head-to-head record than United, can attain with a single victory.

United will have one game remaining in their Champions League campaign should they suffer a loss to Galatasaray. In order to secure a rematch with Galatasaray in the final, they would once more require Copenhagen to suffer a loss to Bayern Munich and for the Danes to maintain a draw with Galatasaray. United would then have six points, while both Copenhagen and Galatasaray would have five. A minimum of three points is required for Ten Hag’s squad to have any chance of advancing.