What unlikely Bayern Munich result means for Man Utd's Champions League hopes
Manchester United can still qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League, but things won't be easy for the Premier League side.
Erik ten Hag's side led 2-0 and 3-1 in Turkey but were unable to cling on for victory against Galatasaray. While a defeat at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium would have ended their Champions League hopes there and then, a point leaves them with a lot of work to do.
They were hoping for a favour from Bayern Munich in the day's later game, with the German giants up against FC Copenhagen. Three points for the Danish side would have put them through at United's expense, but a goalless draw at the Allianz Arena leaves things very much in the balance.
United have four points from their five games, with Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen both on five and Bayern already guaranteed top spot in the group with 13. Ten Hag's men are at home to Bayern in their final game, and will hope Thomas Tuchel rests some of his senior stars.
Some of you might be wondering what this means going into the final round of fixtures. Don't worry, Mirror Football has got you covered.
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If United lose to Bayern
This is the easy one. If United lose at home to Bayern Munich then they're not only out of the Champions League but out of Europe altogether.
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FC Copenhagen claimed what could prove a crucial point against Bayern Munich (AP)If United lose, then second place will go to the winning team in the other group game between Copenhagen and Galatasaray. The two teams drew 2-2 in Turkey, and another draw in Denmark would see things go down to goal difference - where Copenhagen are one goal ahead.
If United draw
United still can't go through with a draw. This is because at least one of the teams playing in Denmark is guaranteed to finish on more than five points.
If United draw and the other game is a draw then they still finish bottom, and their inferior head-to-head record against Galatasaray means a draw for United and a win for Copenhagen would also leave Ten Hag's team bottom of the pile. If United draw and Copenhagen lose, it gets a bit more complicated still when it comes to third spot.
Kerem Akturkoglu's equaliser denied Manchester United in Istanbul (dia images via Getty Images)In that scenario it will come down to goal difference or goals scored. United are currently one adrift of Copenhagen on goal difference, but if the Danes lose at home to Galatasaray and United draw with Bayern then United would leapfrog them on goals scored to secure a Europa League play-off spot.
If United win
The only way United can keep their Champions League hopes alive is by beating Bayern. As we know, though, that might not be enough.
If United win and one of Galatasaray and Copenhagen also wins, United will finish third in the group. If United win and the other game ends all square, they'll finish second. Easy.
Ten Hag's reaction
Even a win in the last group game might not be enough for Erik ten Hag (ERDEM SAHIN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)After the dropped points against Galatasaray, Ten Hag didn't want to single out any one individual for criticism. "We were winning and then we're losing it. We should have taken three points, that's clear. We did this in other games," he told TNT Sports
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"I was pleased with how we played but at the same time I have to criticise the team because the defending is not good enough. We are leading 3-1 and we cannot afford mistakes as it makes a difference."
United had also led 2-0 against FC Copenhagen befor eventually losing 4-3. They're the top scorers in the group, with 12 goals from five matches, but that may well not be enough to progress.
"It's always me. I am responsible for this," Ten Hag added. "We know we are in a project. We are making improvements so that's very hopeful. We are going in the right direction so I know we will be successful in the long-term but if you want to stay in the Champions League you need to win these games."
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