Manchester United have been knocked out of European competitions for the 2023/2024 season after a 1-0 loss to German side Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on Tuesday. The Red Devils only managed to secure four points in all six matches played in the group stage, but they had opportunities to win some of those matches if not for poor goalkeeping.

Manchester United were unable to pick a needed second victory that would have given them the chance to at least secure a UEFA Europa League spot after FC Copenhagen’s victory over Galatasaray ensured they progressed to the knockout stage place behind Bayern Munich.

Needing a victory at Old Trafford while hoping for a miracle in Denmark, Manchester United ended the first half goalless, but instead of finding a winner of their own, former Tottenham striker Harry Kane provided the assist for French striker Kingsley Coleman who finished Manchester United off in the 70th minute of the second half.

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag admitted that the game was lost even before it started but took solace in the fact that his team gave a good performance against Bayern Munich.

 “We didn’t lose it today, that’s clear. We had good performance but also we made mistakes. Individual errors. In the end, it was not good enough. Today’s performance was very good, we didn’t deserve to lose, but we lost the game. The team did very well. We were very good in defending organisations, very good in the pressing. But we did not take enough benefit from it, that’s the truth. But Bayern is also a good team. Even when they are not in the game, they have individual classes and just need one moment. Unfortunately, that happened.” Ten Hag said.

Manchester United will now have the opportunity to focus on the Premier League and FA Cup for the rest of the season with European competitions out of the way.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu