Ex-Bayern Munich and Manchester United star identifies two crucial Reds players ahead of Champions League tie

Owen Hargreaves is expecting Manchester United to taste defeat in their Champions League opener against Bayern Munich.

Erik ten Hag’s side face one of the most daunting tasks in world football when they travel to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday. Still reeling from a shock 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton, United take on the dominant side in German football.

One of the group stage’s most eye-catching ties sees the Red Devils take on a Thomas Tuchel side enhanced by summer signing Harry Kane. Around £100million is what it cost to snatch the England captain away from Tottenham.

Speaking to Bayern’s club website, Hargreaves, who played for both clubs, admitted he believes Kane's arrival helps make the Bundesliga side overwhelming favourites. He said: "Bayern are certainly favourites at home, especially after signing Harry Kane. But United are obviously still a threat.

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“They've got a quality attack: Marcus Rashford is a great counter-attacking player, Bruno Fernandes plays brilliant balls in behind, so United have a lot of chances. However, if Bayern are in their normal form, I expect them to win the match at home."

However, the 42-year-old still thinks United will qualify for the knockout rounds. Galatasaray and Copenhagen, who also face each other on Wednesday, make up the remaining clubs in Group A.

"When Bayern and Manchester United were drawn as the first two names, it looked hefty at first,” Hargreaves added. “It became immediately clear that it would be a tough group. I think everyone knows that Bayern are currently in better form than United. But at the end of the