How they got here
Since the return to play Manchester United have been lighting it up scoring a 6-1 aggregate win over Club Brugge(R32) and knocking out LASK (R16) 7-1 in two legs.
Copenhagen was the Group B runner-up. They followed that up with a 4-2 aggregate win over Celtic (R32) and a 3-1 win over Basaksehir (R16).
Potential lineups
Of note Manchester United will be without Phil Jones who did not make the trip to Cologne for tomorrow’s match. Defenders Alex Tuanzebe and Luke Shaw were ruled out before that. Here’s how I expect the Reds to line up:
Man United: Romero, Dalot, Maguire, Bailly, Williams; McTominay, Fred; Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Martial, Rashford.
Copenhagen: Johansson, Varela, Nelsson, Bjelland, Boilesen; Stage, Zeca; Pep Biel, Wind, Falk; Kaufmann.
Of note for Copenhagen centre-back Ragnar Sigurosson is not expected to play. The Icelandic international has an unspecified injury.
History
The Danish side will look back at their last meeting with United with fond memories having upset the English giants 1-0 back in the 2006 Champions League. United Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in the starting 11 that day and will be coaching against his Norwegian counterpart Stale Solbakken. Solbakken was the mastermind in charge of the Danish squad back then as well beating legendary Manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
What the Managers are saying
It is clear Stale Solbakken is doing everything possible to embrace his team’s underdog role and put all the pressure on United. “United are big, big favorites. It’s about us executing our game as (well) as possible, and obviously we have to take care of many of the aspects that Manchester United have to their game” says Solbakken.
On the other hand, Solskjaer is not taking the Danish team lightly. “Stale’s teams are always well organised and difficult to play against. Very talented young players with experience. It’s going to be a difficult one” says Solskjaer.
Looking ahead
Due to the pandemic the format the rest of the way is simple win and you move, lose and you’re out. The winner of tomorrow’s match will advance to the semi-finals to battle the winner of Wolves-Sevilla on August 16. (JSL)
