Exclusive: Paul Scholes fears ‘damage is done’ ahead of crunch Manchester United Champions League tie with Bayern Munich
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Updated 12/12/2023 at 09:52 GMT
Paul Scholes says Manchester United have “got what they deserved” as they battle for a Champions League last-16 place. Erik ten Hag’s side go into tonight’s game with Bayern Munich needing both a win and for Copenhagen and Galatasaray to draw, if they’re to get out of their group. A third place finish would be good enough for the Europa League - but the TNT Sports pundit would rather avoid that.
Highlights: Man Utd pegged back by Galatasaray in six-goal thriller
Manchester United great Paul Scholes is concerned the “damage is done” as they look to beat the odds and reach the last-16 of the Champions League tonight.
Three group stage defeats, a draw and a solitary win has left Erik ten Hag’s side bottom of Group A. They need to beat already-qualified Bayern Munich at Old Trafford tonight - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - and hope Copenhagen draw with Galatasaray, or they will be out of the competition.
United have twice let two goal leads slip in games away to both the Danish and Turkish sides, coming away with one point from those matches.
“The damage is done. They’ve been in good positions. To lose against Galatasaray at home was a disgrace really,” said Scholes.
“They’ve probably got what they deserved - I don’t know what Bayern Munich’s attitude is going to be like, they also had a surprise defeat at the weekend [losing 5-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga].
“But I always think big teams want to come to Old Trafford and win, it’s the prestige of going to Manchester United and winning. If United play like they did against Bournemouth [a 3-0 Premier League defeat on Saturday], they could be in big trouble.”
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'As a squad we are not good enough' - Ten Hag unhappy with Man Utd loss to Bournemouth
A third-place finish in Group A would drop United into the play-off round of the Europa League. But given their inconsistent form this season, Scholes would rather skip the competition and focus more time on the training pitch.
“Manchester United shouldn't be associated with the Europa League. But there will be some big clubs in it in the new year, if United go into it, there’s Liverpool and similar teams,” he said.
“The only reason big clubs are in it is if they’ve failed this season or failed last season. I think it might be best if they have one game a week, try and prepare his team and try to find a culture that works for the football club.”
United currently sit sixth in the Premier League, despite Saturday’s shock defeat at Old Trafford. They were recently the form side in the top flight, having earned wins over Everton, Luton and Fulham, but Scholes says that flattered them.
“When United were the form team in the Premier League, that was very misleading,” he said.
“I can’t remember one good result this season, those wins were against teams you’d expect to beat. It’s not those games that define Man United players, it’s big games.
“I think when Christian Eriksen and Casemiro return [from injury] that’ll make them a lot more relaxed, it’ll add a lot more experience and quality.
“I’m hoping when those two come back things will improve for ten Hag, but in terms of challenging for big trophies, I don’t think this squad is good enough.”
How to watch Man Utd v Bayern Munich?
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Man Utd v Bayern Munich will be live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate with coverage from 19:00 UK time on Tuesday, December 12.
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