Manchester United entered the 2023/24 season optimistic of a major tilt at the Champions League, after strong cup competition runs in Erik ten Hag’s first season.
While Manchester United drew Bayern Munich in the group stages, opponents Copenhagen and Galatasaray were expected just to make up the numbers. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth.
A disastrous campaign saw United win just one of six matches and crash out bottom of the group.
Now the competition is down to the final, with United loanee Jadon Sancho there with Borussia Dortmund, who knocked out Paris Saint-Germain.
Last night Real Madrid joined them, beating Bayern Munich in a dramatic comeback win.
Real Madrid beat Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich took a second half lead through Alphonso Davies. Then it all went wrong for the German side, who bizarrely substituted Harry Kane.
Former Newcastle and Stoke City strike Joselu then turned the tie on its head, scoring two late goals timed at 88 and 90+1.
Bayern Munich were heartbroken, conceding losing a big Champions League game after conceding two late goals.
Sound familiar? Manchester United fans recognised the striking similarities with 1999, when Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer netted two late goals to clinch the trophy, and the Treble.
Manchester United fans react to Champions League semi-final
Manchester United fans have made peace with the team’s group stage exit from the competition. We likely would have been wiped out in the knockouts anyway.
Many fans were still watching the dramatic semi-final, with Real now on course to win the trophy for the 15th time.
One fan wrote on X: “25 years since 1999, Tonight Bayern conceded late on in Spain and get knocked out the Champions league. Poetry.”
Another added: “Bayern invoking the spirit of 1999 in those last few minutes.”
And a third fan wrote: “Bayern getting another dose of 1999.”
Another fan reflected on Jude Bellingham‘s success, a player Manchester United tried hard to sign in 2020, writing: “Fair play to Bellingham for not picking United, he’s been well advised there the young lad.”
The other big talking point was Thomas Tuchel, who was minutes away from another Champions League final.
The manager has been linked to United, however, he picked up plenty of criticism after his substitutions.
One supporter wrote: “Tuchel taking off their two most talented attackers with a narrow 1-0 lead That is the least Manchester United thing a manager could do. He’s not him.”
Another added: “Horrendous in-game management. Keep him away from Man United at all costs.”