Julien Laurens brands Manchester United’s Champions League exit 'an embarrassment' after Bayern Munich defeat
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Published 13/12/2023 at 00:19 GMT
The fallout continues following Manchester United's dismal Champions League group-stage exit, which was confirmed with a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at Old Trafford. Kingsley Coman scored the only goal of the game, leaving United with only domestic matters to focus on in the new year. Julien Laurens had his say on the matter and believes that finishing bottom of the group is inexcusable.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 12: Bruno Fernandes and Antony of Manchester United look dejected after the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester United and FC Bayern Munchen at Old Trafford on December 12, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by R
Image credit: Getty Images
Julien Laurens slammed Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League exit as "an embarrassment" after Kingsley Coman’s goal consigned them to the bottom of Group A.
Erik ten Hag’s side needed to beat Bayern Munich to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stages, but instead succumbed to a limp 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
A fourth-place finish means United also missed out on the consolation prize of Europa League football in the new year as their European adventure came to an end for another season.
“It's an embarrassment for them to finish fourth in that group,” Laurens said on the TNT Sports' Champions League Highlights Show.
“They should be ahead of Copenhagen and Galatasaray, and closer to Bayern Munich than the 12 points between them.”
The French journalist agreed with Ten Hag’s suggestion that their qualification hopes took a major hit before Tuesday night’s match, but was left troubled by United’s lack of ambition to take the game to Bayern.
“They finished with a goal difference of minus three and maybe Ten Hag is right when he says it wasn't tonight when they lost the qualification,” Laurens added.
“But they were not set up to attack, they were set up to try not to concede a goal when they had to win to qualify anyway.
“But they didn't look like scoring at all and it's just not enough.”
United’s squad has been decimated by injuries this season, including the forced withdrawals of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw during the match.
Laurens believes that United’s lack of options is now being exposed ,and questioned the potential impact which the likes of are Facundo Pellistri and Hannibal Mejbri can have in the side.
“When you are behind, and the only players you bring in are [Facundo] Pellistri, Hannibal Mejbri and Kobbie Mainoo, who's a young midfielder, it's just not enough.”
Ten Hag’s side will now turn their attention back to the Premier League on Sunday, when they face the daunting prospect of a match against table-topping Liverpool at Anfield.
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