What Manchester United need to do to qualify for Champions League knockout stages

Manchester United return to Champions League action this evening when they face FC Copenhagen at Parken Stadium.

Erik ten Hag's side finally got the ball rolling in Group A with a dramatic 1-0 win over the Danish champions a fortnight ago. Harry Maguire scored the only goal of the game that evening, with Andre Onana on hand to save Jordan Larsson's stoppage-time penalty and keep all three points at Old Trafford.

But after an otherwise underwhelming start - they lost their first two group games, against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray, for the first time ever - United still have plenty to do in order to reach the knockout stages. And ahead of tonight's games. MEN Sport has taken a look at the current state of play in Group A and what they need to progress.

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United sit third with three points ahead of matchday four. They are currently just a point behind Galatasaray, who occupy second spot, and six behind leaders Bayern Munich. As things stand, the Reds would enter the Europa League play-offs where they would face a team who finished second in their group over two legs.

Put simply, if United win their remaining three matches they will be through to the last-16. Victories in Copenhagen and Galatasaray are crucial, and six points from those two matches would leave Ten Hag's side in the top two heading into their final group game against Bayern.

If Thomas Tuchel's side beat Galatasaray this evening, then United can progress with two wins in their next two games. As few as seven points could be enough to progress but this would require Copenhagen and Bayern doing favours for United.

Should United end