Team News
Casemiro is suspended for Manchester United’s clash with Copenhagen due to the red card in the previous match. He was already sidelined with an ankle injury, which kept him out of the recent win over Sheffield United. He joins a lengthy list of absentees for United, which includes Lisandro Martinez (foot), Amad Diallo (knee), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Luke Shaw, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (both muscle), along with Jadon Sancho, who remains out due to disciplinary issues. However, there is hope that Sergio Reguilon could return from a hamstring issue in time for the match. Harry Maguire delivered a solid performance against Sheffield United and could retain his place in defence, although Raphael Varane may return to replace Jonny Evans in the backline. With Casemiro suspended, Scott McTominay could once again be called upon in midfield.
For Copenhagen, defender Elias Jelert returns from suspension after missing the match against Bayern Munich. However, Lerager and Birger Meling are now one yellow card away from their own suspensions. Meling picked up an injury in Copenhagen’s recent Superliga win and is unlikely to return before the November international break, meaning Christian Sorensen should fill in at left-back. Injury issues continue for the Danish champions, as William Clem (broken leg), Noah Sahsah (knee), and Nicolai Boilesen (undisclosed) remain sidelined. Mohamed Elyounoussi, who netted the winning goal for Copenhagen last weekend, will return to England after leaving Southampton over the summer. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Oscar Hojlund is set to face his older brother Rasmus, though the younger Hojlund will likely start on the bench.
Form Guide
Manchester United may have netted five goals across their opening two Champions League fixtures – more than any other team in fourth place – but their defensive frailties have been glaring. A difficult return to Europe’s top competition has seen United struggle for form, with successive losses raising concerns.
While falling short against Bayern Munich is understandable, the Red Devils’ 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford to Galatasaray, despite Rasmus Hojlund’s brace, was particularly painful. Goals from Wilfried Zaha, Kerem Akturkoglu, and Mauro Icardi exposed United’s ongoing vulnerabilities at the back. United are now without a win in five consecutive Champions League matches and have lost their last three in the competition. Even though they managed narrow victories over Brentford and Sheffield United domestically, Erik ten Hag’s side are still searching for consistency.
Copenhagen, meanwhile, continue to dominate domestically, securing their 15th Superliga title last season. However, a deep Champions League run remains elusive for Jacob Neestrup’s side. Their Group A campaign started with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Galatasaray, where they squandered a two-goal lead late on. A valiant effort against Bayern Munich in matchday two ended in a narrow defeat, but the Danish side have proven to be competitive so far.
Predicted Outcome
We anticipate a 1-0 victory for Manchester United in what could be another tense and hard-fought affair. Copenhagen have demonstrated resilience throughout their Champions League campaign and may pose a stern challenge at Old Trafford. Their ability to trouble opposition defences suggests they will not be easily subdued in the final third.
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