Bayern's challenge away to Manchester United: Show a reaction and keep the CL momentum going

The last  game of the year in Europe's premier competition is upon us! On Tuesday evening,  FC Bayern visit Manchester United to close off this season's Champions League group stage (from 9 pm in our live text updates and free web radio at fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern App). Following the 5-1 defeat on Saturday at Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern aim to get back into the winning column. “We need to show a reaction on the pitch. The atmosphere is going to be heated. We want to deliver a good performance and remain unbeaten in the group,“ Sporting Director Christoph Freund explained. Here's all the important information about the match at Old Trafford in our preview.

The best images from the day prior to the Man Utd clash:

FC Bayern's state of play

FC Bayern already secured top spot in their Champions League group on Matchday 4 and thus qualified for the round of 16 with two games to spare. Following a perfect start with four wins in the first four games, the head coach Thomas Tuchel’s team then drew 0-0 at home to FC Copenhagen. While Bayern's incredible run of 17 consecutive home wins in the Champions League group stage ended with this result, the record champions were able to extend another streak. Bayern have now remained unbeaten in the preliminary round of the competition in 39 games in succession. Now, the Reds are aiming to reach number 40 away from home against Manchester United.

In addition, the Reds are determined to react to last weekend's bitter defeat. “We're travelling to Manchester with a point to prove. Following a game like we had in Frankfurt, it's good to play again so soon and be able to make up for it,“ said Freund. Bayern's head coach agreed and urged his players to take responsibility prior to the game at Old Trafford: “We can show a reaction on the biggest stage of world football,“ the 50-year-old demanded at the press conference.

Journey, press conference, training – Bayern's day in Manchester:

The opponents: Manchester United

In order to reach second place in Group A and achieve qualification for the Champions League round of 16, Manchester United must win the head-to-head with Bayern. Additionally, the team supervised by former FC Bayern reserves coach Erik ten Hag need FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray to draw in the other group match. Should either team win, United would secure third place in the group with a victory and thus continue in the Europa League. If the Red Devils draw against the men from Munich, the English team must hope for a Galatasaray win in Copenhagen to remain in Europe next year. With a defeat to Munich, Manchester exit the competition in last place.

In the English Premier League, Man Utd are currently in sixth place with 27 points from 16 games. Following a 2-1 win against Chelsea last week, United suffered a 3-0 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday. This is, however, no reason to underestimate the upcoming opponents. “They're always a dangerous team,“ coach Tuchel warned: “They scored the most goals in the group, but because of the number of goals they’ve conceded, they didn't collect the points they would have deserved for those goals.“ However, Old Trafford can always create “special moments,“ Tuchel continued: “It will be a challenge for us!“

United suffer clear defeat in last game prior to the duel with FC Bayern:

The team news for Manchester United vs. FC Bayern

Bayern are without Serge Gnabry (groin strain), Matthijs de Ligt (knee ligament), and Bouna Sarr (cruciate ligament tear).  Sven Ulreich (ankle) also misses the trip to Manchester. 

United are without Casemiro, Lisandro Martínez, Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount. Defender Victor Lindelöf and attackers Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial missed the final training session due to illness and are all doubtful.

The facts and figures on the United clash:

What the coaches say