Bayern Munich will play Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday night in the last group stage encounter of the UEFA Champions League. United are in fourth place in the group and know a win over Bayern and a draw would do.

Bayern were defeated 5-1 by Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, but United beating them and Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen drawing sounds unlikely but not impossible. However, United may qualify for the Europa League.

I think the club should leave European competition based on its form. United will struggle in any competition until they establish their footing this season and have injured players back.

Predicted Manchester United starting lineup: 4-2-3-1

Onana;

Dalot, Maguire, Shaw, Reguilon;

Mainoo, McTominay

Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho;

Hojlund

Goalkeeper: Onana

Butre Onana hasn’t started well for United in any competition this season. The Cameroonian goalie has allowed 38 goals in the season’s first games, which is concerning. Occasionally, the player appears capable.

The goalkeeper and coach must overcome these dreadful faults, which are easy to fix if they want to. Coverage is needed for the player’s African Cup of Nations trip next month.

Altay Bayindir joined the club in the summer but has not played in any competitions. The manager wanted to sign the Turkish international, therefore he should have the skills to succeed in his style. Let’s see what happens…

Defenders: Dalot, Maguire, Shaw, Reguilon

So far this season, United have used multiple back four combinations in all competitions. That should continue for a while. United’s injury issues keep affecting this region and must be remedied.

I prefer Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw at fullback, but injuries will force Sergio Reguilon to play left-back. Dalot is my pick right now, even though Aaron Wan-Bissaka could return.

Due to defensive injuries, Harry Maguire may partner Shaw in the heart of the defense against Bayern, which would be the best option ahead of this match since Maguire is unlikely to play Raphael Varane on the left.

Midfield: Mainoo, McTominay

Despite the players United has this season, the midfield is still a problem. Kobbie Mainoo’s ascent this season is fantastic for United since he’s calm and efficient on the ball.

Like Ten Hag, Mainoo should be managed well after returning from an injury that kept him out for most of the season. His midfield partner is a concern because there are few solid options.

In the younger ranks, the player and Daniel Gore have done well, but putting them against a powerful Bayern side could impede their growth. McTominay should start with him.

Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho attack midfield

This season’s assists and goals should come from offensive midfield, although accuracy needs to be improved. These players are not getting the best passes ahead of them for the striker, preventing goals.

Antony struggled this season. For now, his personal issues seem to be behind him, which may be best. His primary concern should be trying to help or score.

Bruno Fernandes is free to play this game but will be suspended for the trip to Anfield on Sunday, which may inspire the club captain to win on Tuesday. So far this season, Alejandro Garnacho is doing what he needs to retain his spot.

Hojlund, forward

Rasmus Hojlund has scored five goals in the UEFA Champions League this season and looks like a future striker. The Danish international is a threat to his opponents, but teammates have let him down.

The players behind the striker must play passes into him rather than try to score themselves, especially if they know their opportunities are scarce, to get the best from him. Strikers require good passes.

United now has limited choices for line leaders. Anthony Martial doesn’t sweat and won’t run for the ball, and Marcus Rashford is out of form and doesn’t lead United well.

Alternates: Bayindir, Varane, Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Amrabat, van de Beek, Gore, Hannibal, Martial, Rashford, Pellistri, Hugill.

For the Champions League encounter against Bayern, United can designate 12 substitutes and use five of them. This match will feature Altay Bayindir as the goalie on the bench, possibly joined by another if injured.

United may bench Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Jonny Evans against Bayern, which are not ideal alternatives. Midfielders Sofyan Amrabat, Donny van de Beek, Daniel Gore, and Hannibal may play.

United may use Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Facundo Pellistri, and Joe Hugill in attacking roles, which are not ideal at this point. Amad Diallo returned to training following his injury, but he may not be ready.