Manchester United are set to commence their Champions League campaign with a highly-anticipated fixture against Bayern Munich in Group A. This storied German side were the initial draw from the pots, subsequently sharing the group stage with the Red Devils—old adversaries from previous European outings.
This season marks a 24-year gap since United’s legendary win over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final—a victory orchestrated under Sir Alex Ferguson. Post that dramatic win, the two European titans have squared off eight additional times, with their latest clash in the 2013-14 quarter-finals seeing United bow out 4-2 on aggregate.
The second-leg defeat at the Allianz Arena had dashed United’s semi-final aspirations. However, Erik ten Hag’s current squad will get a golden opportunity for retribution, as they open their campaign in Munich.
The complete group stage itinerary was unveiled last Saturday. United will first fly out to Munich on September 20, a mere four days following their Premier League contest against Brighton & Hove Albion at home. After that, Old Trafford will play host to Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray on October 3, succeeded by a trip to Denmark to square off against their champions, Copenhagen, on October 24.
The group stage will wrap up with a tantalising fixture as Bayern Munich make their way to Old Trafford on December 12. Concurrently, Newcastle United mark their return to Europe’s elite competition in a group brimming with giants like AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Borussia Dortmund.
In related European news, reigning champions Manchester City look set for a comfortable group stage, launching their title defence on home turf against Red Star Belgrade on September 19. The Citizens then face a daunting away game against RB Leipzig on October 4, followed by a trip to Switzerland to take on Young Boys three weeks later.
Not to be outdone, Arsenal will make their Champions League comeback after a seven-year hiatus, reigniting their rivalry with PSV Eindhoven in their opening match. They’ll then hit the road for a clash against Lens, marking their first away game in the competition since 2017. Mikel Arteta’s men will subsequently visit Europa League victors Sevilla for their third group match.
