Although Manchester United have no involvement in European competition, several former players shone in the Champions League during the week.
One of the biggest objectives for Ruben Amorim this season is to get Manchester United back competing in Europe.
The Champions League has been a difficult watch for United fans due to our lack of involvement. It doesn’t help that rival clubs are competing on the biggest stage in European football, along with several former United players.
United must improve results in the Premier League if they are to qualify for the Champions League, Europa League or Europa Conference League. A response is needed this week after United’s 3-1 defeat against Brentford.
After losing at the weekend, it was difficult to watch multiple former United players stand out in Champions League games, with several picking up man of the match awards.
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The Champions League trophy
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Champions League Team of the Week features Marcel Sabitzer and Rasmus Hojlund
While the current United first team watched from their Cheshire mansions, four former players showed their brilliance in Europe’s elite competition, but only two of them made the Champions League Team of the Week.
Rasmus Hojlund and Marcel Sabitzer have been recognised for their efforts in the Champions League during the week by being named in the team of the week.
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A brace from Hojlund saw Napoli overcome Sporting CP to record their first win in Europe’s most prestigious competition this season.
Napoli playmaker Kevin De Bruyne compared Hojlund to Erling Haaland after the match, but he wasn’t the only standout performer with United connections on the night.
Sabitzer, who had a loan spell at United in 2023, was also nominated player of the match as Borussia Dortmund beat Athletic Club 4-1.
Interestingly, both players were brought to United by Erik ten Hag, who is currently without a job after being sacked by Bayer Leverkusen.
The same can be said for Anthony Elanga after his player-of-the-match display in Newcastle’s 4-0 thrashing of Union Saint-Gilloise.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were responsible for assists in the Champions League.
Man Utd players involved in the Europa League
The second round of fixtures in the Europa League takes place tonight, with one United loanee set to be involved in the action.
Jadon Sancho could feature in Aston Villa’s away game against Feyenoord at 8pm.
Meanwhile, former United winger Antony has been named on the Real Betis bench as they take on Ludogorets Razgrad at 5.45pm.
United have no players involved in the Europa Conference League tonight.