Copenhagen suffer striker injury worry ahead of Manchester United clash

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United face Copenhagen this week in a crucial Champions League match in Denmark.

Two opening losses meant Manchester United left no room for error in their Champions League group. There was small progress made with a hard-fought win over Copenhagen at Old Trafford in the last match.

But that progress will be undone if Manchester United cannot follow it up with an away win over Copenhagen this week.

Both teams warmed up for the game with weekend victories, although Copenhagen’s win may have been accompanied by an unwelcome development for them too.

How Copenhagen fared at the weekend

Manchester United squeezed out a 1-0 away win against Fulham on Saturday with an injury time winner from Bruno Fernandes.

Copenhagen took on Randers in an away fixture and won the game 4-2, with three second half goals.

But they had to substitute striker Andreas Cornelius at half-time, citing fitness problems.

Manager Jacob Neestrup told Bold.dk: “Corner did not feel comfortable, he did not dare to sprint for the second half, and therefore we replaced him.”

Cornelius, formerly of Cardiff City, did not travel to Old Trafford but has since returned to action, and Copenhagen were hoping to have him available for the home game against Manchester United.

Now after the weekend there is uncertainty over whether he will be available to play.

Days earlier Neestrup had talked up Cornelius, telling club media: “[He] gives us more variety in our game. It means we can play well beyond their press. He’s just so strong between the lines.”

One of their goals in the 4-2 win was scored by Jordan Larsson, who missed an injury-time penalty at Old Trafford which would have drawn the game, with Andre Onana making a spectacular save.

Copenhagen form

Copenhagen have won all three of their domestic matches since the 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford. These have been 4-0, 1-0, and 4-2 victories.

Manchester United followed up the Champions League win with back to back 3-0 losses, before a 1-0 away win at the weekend at Fulham.