Bayern nabbed Harry Kane, who has taken to life in Munich like a duck to water. The England captain has scored four goals in as many Bundesliga games and he will be looking to continue that form against Erik ten Hags side.
The United manager is under increasing pressure with just two wins in five matches with those coming via one-goal margins. The loss to Brighton was not surprising but still very disappointing.
A lack of effort cannot be blamed and Uniteds injury crisis did not help. The Reds are braced to travel to Munich with a full XI of unavailable players with Jadon Sancho and Antony not currently in the squad.
Back home, tensions are rising and perhaps a trip away is what everyone needs. After all, it should not be lost on anyone that United are back in the big time playing the biggest fish.
Indeed Uniteds best performance this season has come when they have not been the favourites. The manner in which they lost to Arsenal was gut-wrenching yet but for a marginal offside call and an unlucky deflection, United may have walked away with all three points. It was not a dominant display it was their best showing this season.
Bayern Munich will pose a potentially tougher test. United could easily get fried under the lights of the Allianz – or they can use the experience to their advantage. Ten Hag and his players could forge a siege mentality. Those not with the squad are out of sight and perhaps out of mind.
On home soil, United would be expected to take the game on but away from home the Reds have more licence to be pragmatic and whatever the result the match is an opportunity to instil some belief back into the squad with a hearted performance and something to build on ahead of a trip to Burnley on Saturday.
Wilt, and suddenly the trip to Turf Moor becomes a banana skin. A drubbing will trigger panic stations. But a respectable outcome after a gusty, and perhaps ugly, display will renew confidence and remind themselves of what got them there in the first place.
Get through that and things get easier. Players return from injury with Burnley and a double-header in the League Cup and Premier League against Crystal Palace to play, before a home tie against Galatasaray in what looks a good run of fixtures to gain momentum.
Using that siege mentality to galvanise the troops in a hostile atmosphere should be viewed as an opportunity and a springboard, even if United come away pointless.
Manchester United are back in the Champions League after an impressive first season in charge for Erik ten Hag.
Having won the famous trophy three times, the Reds have a wonderful history in the European Cup. Now the Dutchman has to live up to that legacy.
Our special preview of Uniteds 2023/24 Champions League campaign provides the ultimate guide to the tournament.
