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Bayern’s dressing room verdict on Man Utd will be a major cause for concern for Erik ten Hag

September 22, 2023

Bayern Munich dominated their Champions League opener against Manchester United but somehow only ended up winning the match 4-3.

United were beaten for the third game in a row thanks to goals from Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, Harry Kane and Mathys Tel.

The Bundesliga giants were the far better side at the Allianz Arena but made life difficult for themselves, allowing a late Casemiro brace to set up a nervy finish for the home side after Rasmus Hojlund had scored his first goal for United.

They held on to secure all three points but several Bayern players were critical of their performance.

Former Tottenham striker Kane, who scored a penalty controversially awarded for a handball against his former Spurs teammate Christian Eriksen, said: “I think a bit crazy, to be honest. For the majority of the game we controlled it. We went 3-1 ahead and just lost a bit of concentration in the last five minutes.

“Thankfully we were able to hold on to the lead. Overall, a really good start to the campaign against a tough side in Man United.”

“We were good going forward, but have to stop making so many mistakes,” added Leroy Sane.

“There was just too much of that. It was definitely a spectacle for the fans, but we needed to calm the game down and do better on the counter-attack. We were 2-0 up. That’s when we have to take control of the game, especially when we win back the ball; then we have to find the right man.”

Konrad Laimer echoed Sane’s comments, adding: “It was a wild game. There were phases when we could have controlled the game better. We had chances to make the win safe, but we let the opposition back into it. The important thing is starting with three points.

“We know we can and have to improve. If we win in the end, it’s good.”

Laimer’s belief that Bayern have room for improvement will be a concern for Erik ten Hag, who saw his side outplayed for much of the match.

United face Bayern in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford on December 12.

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