Bayern Munich has not lost a Champions League group stage match since September 2017.

Erik ten Hag believes his inconsistent but gifted Manchester United team can overcome Bayern Munich and remain in Europe as they hope for a Champions League miracle.

The Red Devils’ Group A campaign has been littered with goals, insanity, and gaffes, leaving their chances of reaching the knockout stage dangling by a thread.

United has only four points and is at the bottom of the pool heading into the last match against already-qualified Bayern, which means they have no chance of progressing.

Ten Hag’s men must become the first team to defeat the Germans in a Champions League group game since September 2017, while Copenhagen and Galatasaray must draw.

United are guaranteed a spot in the Europa League if they win on a night when the Dutchman is not thinking about the consequences of failing to qualify from the group.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. What I do know is that I never think in a negative way. We believe in ourselves, thus we know what to do.

“It’s all about winning if we want to stay in Europe.”

“We will prepare the team with that feeling and with that belief that we are able to do it and I think we have shown in the last weeks when we are on our best then we can do it.”

United enter this encounter on the tail of a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, which caused Ten Hag to confess his team was not good enough to be constant high performers.

However, the Dutchman is sure that his team has the ability to defeat the best as they seek to break Bayern’s competition-record 39-match unbeaten group-stage run.

“It’s our team (that gives me hope),” Ten Hag explained. “We are inconsistent.” Clear.

“But we also have a very good performance and highs, so if we get it when we are in the right spirit, then we can do it and beat any opponent.”

“The game against Chelsea, the game against Everton, and even the game against Galatasaray give me hope.”

“So, I know this team is capable of performing at a high level, and it’s not like we did it three months ago.” No, we did it last week, so I’m confident we can do it again.

“When we have the right mood, we have the right spirit, it starts with the right attitude, if everyone is ready for it, we are able to do it.”

United’s past two Champions League matches were on the road, with a 4-3 loss to Copenhagen at a raucous Parken Stadium followed by a ‘Welcome to Hell’ in Turkey a week ago.

Ten Hag’s men wasted a two-goal lead in a painful 3-3 draw at Galatasaray on Tuesday, and the Red Devils boss emphasized the importance of the Old Trafford supporters.

“I think Old Trafford is not a nice place to come for an opponent, and we are aware of it,” Ten Hag said in a statement.

“It starts with us, but you hope that the fans are on board as well.”

“As long as I’m here, I have the impression we’re completely together.” The team and the fans have a very tight affinity.

“Even when we have major setbacks, they are always behind us.” They’re sticking by us and supporting us, which makes me extremely happy.

“However, we must accept responsibility. It begins with us; we must invigorate them.”

United are still dealing with a number of crucial injuries as they prepare to face Bayern Munich and rivals Liverpool on Sunday.

Victor Lindelof was injured and missed the Bournemouth defeat, but he trained with the team on Tuesday afternoon, when Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were out due to sickness.

He also missed training on Friday owing to illness and only made a cameo appearance against the Cherries.

“It’s a condensed programme, so we have a training (to come),” Ten Hag stated ahead of the Carrington training.

“At the moment, I’m not sure who is available for tomorrow and who is not.”

“For example, whether Victor Lindelof can make it or not is a question mark.”

“We have to wait and to see until tomorrow, then we know.”