Key thoughts and analysis from Matchday 1 in the Champions League
The Champions League is back! Below, we dissect the biggest talking points from Matchday 1 in Europe’s premier club competition.
No rhyme or reason to Man United’s play
It has been over a year since Erik ten Hag took the reins at Manchester United. When things went pear-shaped last season, the response was the same: Give him time. But how much more does he need to get this team to play responsibly? He spent nearly £350 million to sign players he’s coached before, yet United are no better than they’ve been at any point over the last few years. They’ve slipped to 13th in the Premier League and conceded 10 goals in their last three matches, including Wednesday’s 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich. They’re a ship floating nowhere fast.
It’s easy to blame United’s poor start on Andre Onana. The Cameroonian shot-stopper has made a hash of a number of shots and crosses since replacing David de Gea. After giving Harry Maguire the hairdryer treatment for playing similarly sloppy football in a preseason friendly