Thomas Tuchel has opened up on Bayern Munich being drawn into an “extremely appealing” Group A alongside Manchester United in the Champions League.
Erik ten Hag led United to the quarter-finals of the Europa League last season, but the Red Devils were knocked out at the hands of eventual champions Sevilla.
However, the United boss secured the Red Devils’ return to Champions League football after his side finished third in the Premier League table last season.
United on Thursday learned they were in a tricky Group A featuring Bayern Munich, with the Red Devils also matching up against FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
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Tuchel on ‘challenge’ of Champions League
England captain Harry Kane will now have the opportunity to face United again after leaving Tottenham and completing a blockbuster transfer to Bayern.
Ten Hag was believed to have been interested in bringing the former Spurs star to Old Trafford before the arrival of Rasmus Hojlund from Serie A side Atalanta.
Speaking to Bayern’s official website, Tuchel admitted that his side face “extremely appealing” opposition in this season’s Champions League.
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“Every opponent represents a challenge in the Champions League, which we take on with great desire and dedication,” he said.
“Manchester United, Copenhagen and Galatasaray are extremely appealing group opponents for the team and fans.
“We’re excited and can’t wait to get going on the European stage soon.”
Ten Hag on Champions League draw
Ten Hag has already been hit with an injury crisis at the beginning of the season and is well aware of the pressure four competitions will cause on his depleted squad.
The former Ajax manager lifted the Carabao Cup with United last season, but his side ultimately fell short in the FA Cup final to crosstown rivals Manchester City.
United also reached the late stages of the Europa League while pushing for a top-four Premier League finish, with Ten Hag’s men playing matches week in, week out.
Ten Hag openly spoke about United’s Champions League draw ahead of the Arsenal match and said he will require “depth” in his squad to compete in four competitions.
When asked if he had the squad depth to compete in multiple competitions, he said: “I think yeah. But therefore, we need the depth to go into the four competitions.
“But also, most of our players are internationals for their nations, so they will go all over the world, so we have to cover that.
“We have to be prepared for that situation, [so] that we can always put a competitive team on the pitch.”