Manchester United vs Copenhagen: 5 key battles that the Red Devils need to win to secure a semi-final spot | UEFA Europa League 2019-20

Manchester United face FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals in Cologne.
Manchester United face FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals in Cologne.

#3 Harry Maguire vs Jonas Wind

Manchester United v LASK - UEFA Europa League Round of 16: Second Leg
Manchester United v LASK - UEFA Europa League Round of 16: Second Leg

Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire faces a tough task in the match as he will have to deal with Jonas Wind, the 21-year-old striker who scored two goals and provided an assist in Copenhagen's 3-0 win over Başakşehir in his first Europa League appearance of the season.

Maguire has been involved in seven games in the competition so far and in five of those Manchester United managed a shutout. The world's most expensive defender has relied on his physical strength to steal the ball from the strikers but that trick might not work against Wind, who possesses great strength despite his young age and is strong in the air as well.

Wind is back to full fitness after a lengthy layoff and will add much-needed threat to his side who have only scored 12 goals this campaign.


#2 Fred vs Rasmus Falk Jensen

Norwich City v Manchester United - FA Cup: Quarter Final
Norwich City v Manchester United - FA Cup: Quarter Final

Fred has put a disastrous debut season at the Old Trafford behind him and has earned the trust of Solskjaer this season, as he made 29 appearances in the Premier League and seven in the Europa League.

It is in the continental competition where he has performed better with an all-round performance. He has scored two goals, provided four assists and maintained an impressive 90% pass success as well.

Manchester United have heavily relied on their midfielders this season and to win the game they will first have to win the battle in the middle of the pitch. A player who can spoil their party is Rasmus Falk Jensen, who has been central to Copenhagen's midfield plans this season.

He has one goal and two assists in the competition so far, but it is his defensive contribution that has impressed. Despite being an attack-minded midfielder, he has often stayed behind to help out his defenders and, as a result, average 1.8 tackles per 90 and made 1.7 interceptions every game to break opposition play.


#1 Bruno Fernandes vs Zeca

Leicester City v Manchester United - Premier League
Leicester City v Manchester United - Premier League

Bruno Fernandes' arrival has turned the things around for Manchester United since his signing in the January transfer window. He made a seamless transition from playing at Sporting to playing at the Old Trafford and just as he has been a key player in their top-four finish, will be key in the match against Copenhagen.

He is currently the leading goalscorer in the tournament, though only one of his six goals have come for Manchester United. In his three appearances in the competition as a United player, he scored one goal and had one assist. But his real contribution to the team has been the energy he brings on the pitch.

If there's anyone in the Copenhagen squad who can give a tough fight to the Portuguese it has to be the veteran midfielder Zeca. The Greek midfielder is not known for his goalscoring abilities but is a solid defensive presence. He has made an astonishing 4.6 tackles per 90 in the Europa League and averaged 2.2 interceptions per game.

The game will clearly be won in the midfield, as both of the sides like to attack from the centre and if Zeca and Copenhagen manage to keep Fernandes quiet, they can cause a major upset on Tuesday night.


Also See:

Manchester United vs Copenhagen prediction, preview, team news and more | UEFA Europa League 2019-2020

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Edited by S Chowdhury
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