Manchester United v Bayern Munich: Erik ten Hag says his side can ‘beat anyone’

Manager Erik ten Hag says Manchester United can “beat any opponent” as they aim to clinch a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

United must win to progress – and hope Copenhagen draw at home to Galatasaray.

“We are not consistent but we have good performances,” said Ten Hag. “If we are in the right spirit, we are able to beat any opponent.”

A draw against group leaders Bayern would see United finish third and enter the Europa League group stage, if there is not a winner between Copenhagen and Galatasaray.

Defender Victor Lindelof remains an injury doubt for the Red Devils, who suffered a 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth at home in the Premier League on Saturday.

But Bayern also suffered a surprise defeat at the weekend as the German champions were thrashed 5-1 by Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

United have ‘a certain aura, a certain mentality’

United lost 4-3 in Munich in September, then 4-3 at Copenhagen and drew 3-3 at Galatasaray last month.

Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel noted how Ten Hag’s side has scored more goals than any other team in Group A but their defensive record means “they don’t have enough points for the goals they’ve scored. It’s been a bit up and down for them.”

But the former Chelsea coach added “it’s always dangerous to play Manchester United. They have a certain aura, a certain mentality that always makes them very difficult to beat.

“They can endure difficult phases in their matches. I feel it’s part of the DNA of the club, that they can overcome difficult minutes in a match and still win, still steal points.

“We’ve seen their strong moments, how strong they are, and the stadium plays a big role. The spectators are emotional and the stadium creates some special moments, so it’s a difficult place to come and play but it’s a very good challenge for us.”

United famously scored twice at the death to beat Bayern 2-1 in the 1999 Champions League final and become European champions for the second time.

“A game against Manchester United is always a big game,” added Tuchel. “It’s a big stage, a big club – one of the biggest stages in world football. It has a certain aura and electricity around it.

“We have to prepare for the best Man United team because when they are good, they are really, really good.”

Bayern ‘cannot be more happy’ to have Kane

Tuchel confirmed that England captain Harry Kane will play at Old Trafford, making his first club appearance in England since leaving Tottenham for Germany last summer.

The former Manchester United target, 30, has scored 18 goals in 13 league matches since joining Bayern on a four-year deal, for an initial 100m euros (£86.4m) plus add-ons.

“I think every fan would wish for Harry Kane in their team,” said Tuchel. “That’s why we’re very proud that we managed to seduce him and we managed to steal him from the Premier League and from English football.

“He’s the skipper of your national team and a big personality, a big player. [He’s] a very humble and down to earth person who loves football and what he’s doing.

“He’s a role model and we’re super happy, we cannot be more happy that he’s with us. He gives us a lot of confidence and, of course, a lot of goals. He will play tomorrow. I know he will be happy to be here.”