Bayern Munich gain early Manchester United advantage ahead of Champions League clash

Bayern Munich have been handed an early boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag’s side are set to take on the German champions on Wednesday as United make their return to the Champions League. The Reds will be relishing the chance to be back among the premier club competition in European football, but face a tough assignment in their opening game.

First up for United is a tricky home clash with Brighton, who twice got the better of Ten Hag’s side in the league last season but lost in the FA Cup semi-final. The boss has had a few days to assess his players at Carrington after the international break and will be hoping to head to Munich on the back of a statement performance.

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Bayern have not been afforded the same luxury, though. Thomas Tuchel’s side face a quick turnaround as they prepare to take on Bayer Leverkusen on Friday night. This is due to nuances in German broadcast deals and has not been welcomed by Tuchel - but it does provide Bayern with extra time to devise a game plan for United’s visit to the Allianz Arena.

"It's a bit tough for both teams to play on Friday night," Tuchel admitted. "It's a top Bundesliga game, both teams have a lot of national players, so I'm not really sure it's a good idea to play the game on Friday night."

Sky Germany are only able to show each club eight times per season and opted against selecting the match, with the game subsequently picked up by DAZN, whose only available slot was Friday night due to Bayern’s Champions League commitments.

Both sides are