It was another dramatic night in Europe for Manchester United as they crashed to defeat against Copenhagen.
United's fourth 2023/24 Champions League group stage outing started extremely well as Rasmus Hojlund netted twice to give them a two-goal lead. However, the game soon turned dramatically.
Marcus Rashford was sent off as the Red Devils failed to maintain their 2-0 lead, the home side levelling the game before Bruno Fernandes' penalty. However, the visitors couldn't hold out and conceded two goals late on to leave them marooned at the bottom of Group A.
Here's what Erik ten Hag's side need to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League this season.
How can Man Utd reach in the Champions League knockout stages?
Group A table
On the same night Man Utd were beaten 4-3 by Copenhagen with late goals from Lukas Lerager and Roony Bardghji, Bayern Munich did the Red Devils a favour by beating Galatasaray 2-1 at the Allianz Arena.
It would have been a really disastrous night had Galatasaray won in Germany, but things are still tough regardless with United perched at the bottom of Group A.
Bayern now cannot be caught and have sealed their place as group winners, while Copenhagen and Galatasaray are each only a point ahead of Ten Hag's side.
Man Utd now need to win their next two games away to Galatasaray and at home to Bayern Munich.
Alongside those results, they need Bayern to beat Copenhagen to ensure the Danes don't get any unexpected points. A draw between Copenhagen and Galatasaray would then be the preferred outcome on the final matchday of the group stage.
Man Utd need favours elsewhere to get into the next round but a loss to Galatasaray on Matchday 5 would end their hopes, with the best outcome at that point being Europa League qualification. If Man Utd lose and Copenhagen beat Bayern, the Europa League spot would be out of reach for Man Utd.
A draw against Galatasaray would almost knock Man Utd out of the tournament. Assuming Bayern beat Copenhagen on Matchday 5 while Galatasaray and Man Utd draw, Man Utd would have to beat Bayern and hope for a draw between the other two sides.
That would leave Bayern on 15 points, Man Utd on seven, Galatasaray six and Copenhagen five.
Man Utd 2023/24 Champions League fixtures and results
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This article was originally published on 90min as What Man Utd need to qualify from Champions League group stage.
