Manchester United Champions League Group Analysed

Manchester United Champions League Group Analysed

Manchester United found out their Champions League fate last night after they overcame Club Brugge in their play-off round. United successfully made it into the last 32 of the competition, and faced the daunting prospect of Barcelona and Bayern Munich in pot 1.

Luckily, Manchester United escaped any real threats that they could have potentially faced, but the group they have been drawn does come with a bit of danger.

Group B: PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, CSKA Moscow, VfL Wolfsburg


First of all, from pot 1, United drew PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch champions were the least dangerous looking side in the pot which hosted names such as Barcelona, Bayern and Juventus. The draw means United No.7 Memphis Depay will face his former club after moving to United from the Dutch club in May.

Whilst PSV pose a threat, they have lost two of their brightest players in Memphis and Wijnaldum this summer – something that should see United beat them in both legs.

From pot 3 came CSKA Moscow, a fixture that on paper looks an easy win for the Red Devils, but for anyone who knows the history between Russian and English teams will know just how dodgy this draw is. CSKA tormented Manchester City in last seasons Champions League, with Russian sides in general causing upset to English teams.

As for United, if they can grab a home win (which they should) – the away fixture could have less pressure attached, something that would suit LvG’s side.

Wolfsburg are the final side to enter the group. The German side, despite being in pot 4, are probably the biggest threat to United. The German’s have a lot of quality players in their ranks, including Kevin De Bruyne who is linked with a £58m move to Manchester City. United should be capable of overcoming Wolfsburg, but they certainly pose a threat.