Why Copenhagen have what it takes to upset Manchester United in Champions League

Cppenhagen have made their mark in this season’s UEFA Champions League. The Danish giants have always been outsiders in the group stage, and they’re living up to that tag this time.

Paired alongside Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Galatasaray in Group A, Copenhagen will need to outdo themselves to finish in the top two or even drop to the UEFA Europa League.

However, they’ve already shown that they’re capable of that. Having held Galatasaray to a 2-2 draw in Turkey and also gone toe-to-toe with Bayern before suffering a narrow 2-1 loss, Copenhagen are giving their group rivals a run for their money.

As Jacob Neestrup prepares to take his side to Old Trafford on Tuesday, it will be another great opportunity for them to try to upset a team of superior quality and pedigree.

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Copenhagen have surprised other Group A opponents

No one would’ve envisaged Copenhagen sitting above Manchester United after two gamws in the UEFA Champions League. However, that's exactly how the Group A table looks.

The Danish champions are third with a point, while the Red Devils are rooted at the bottom with no points after losing to Bayern away and Galatasaray at home.

The fact that Bayern and Galatasaray found it more difficult to play against Copenhagen than they did against Manchester United highlights why Neestrup and his side cannot be underrated.

They're a very organised team who know how to take the sting out of a game. They surprised Galatasaray in Istanbul and led Bayern for 67 minutes before the German side overturned the scoreline.

For a side that has proven not to be overawed by the occasion and relishes playing against big teams, Copenhagen will be a difficult test for Manchester United.

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Manchester United look very beatable

The visitors also have every right to feel confident going to Old Trafford, especially with Manchester United’s stuttering form this season.

The Reds have blown hot and cold, and although they’re on a two-game winning run, they’ve rarely had a convincing performance since the start of the season.

Erik ten Hag’s side will still be favourites, but they look very beatable. That, coupled with the English side’s struggles means they're there for the taking.

“I love to see our team as we played in the first two group games, where we were really good, so if we are going to get a result tomorrow, we have to be true to ourselves. We know we have the qualities.” Neestrup told FCK ahead of the game.

"Tactically, we are preparing both the players for the match picture that awaits. We want it to be a game like in Istanbul, except for the first quarter and the period after the red card, and like in large parts of the Bayern game."

He continuedd

"There will of course be periods when we have to defend and stand up, but it's about having the ball at our feet as much as possible and then being good on the ball and having patience.”

Based on how they stood up to Galatasaray and Bayern, Copenhagen have clearly shown that they have what it takes to upset Manchester United.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if they go to Old Trafford and pull out a result.