DEFEAT to Copenhagen would all but end Manchester United’s hopes of progressing into the knockout stages of the Champions League.
And it wouldn’t be the first time they’ve lost to the Danish champions.
Scroll down to see the starting XI from that day
PA:Press AssociationSir Alex Ferguson selected a strong team for the Man United vs Copenhagen clash in November 2006[/caption]
But United ended up losing the match 1-0News Group Newspapers Ltd
GettyErik ten Hag will be hoping his team can pick up a much-needed win over Copenhagen[/caption]
United are without a point in Europe after losing to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray in their opening two games.
Now it is all on the line for Erik ten Hag’s side, with tonight’s clash at Old Trafford now a must-win.
And, while a home clash with Copenhagen might seem like the perfect opportunity to get three points on the board, history tells us it won’t be that easy.
Copenhagen drew Man United in the group stages some 17 years ago in the 2006/07 season.
United won the first game easily enough with a romping 3-0 victory at Old Trafford.
In the reverse fixture, however, their fortunes were not as good, losing 1-0 to Copenhagen on their visit to Denmark.
Swedish forward Marcus Allback was the match-winner that day, with the former Aston Villa ace stabbing home a decisive 73rd-minute goal.
Sir Alex Ferguson‘s side had won each of the first three games in the group before that Copenhagen clash.
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But it was not like then-boss Sir Alex Ferguson put out his second string.
Six of the players who started the game would go on to start the 2008 Champions League final win the following season, while many others were crucial to United’s extended period of success then.
Edwin van der Sar featured in goal, with a back four of Wes Brown, Nemanja Vidic, Mikael Silvestre and Gabriel Heinze in front of him.
The midfield had Darren Fletcher, John O’Shea, Michael Carrick and none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.
Up front, Wayne Rooney was paired with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in what would be his final season as a player with the club.
Patrice Evra, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand all came off the bench as well.
But below-par performances all around on a night described as having sub-zero temperatures left United with a chill down their spine.
Tonight’s clash will likely not have as many future Man Utd Champions League winners, but the stakes are certainly higher.
Six of the starting XI started the 2008 Champions League final
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