14 September 2023 , 13:57
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Manchester United are back in with Europe's big boys this season and kick off their group-stage campaign with one of the toughest ties possible: away to German giants Bayern Munich.
Bayern have won the biggest competition in club football six times and are currently on a run of 11 successive Bundesliga titles. Whatever you might think about the intensity of the competition in Germany, that is some achievement.
The addition of England captain Harry Kane only adds to their quality and they are the clear second-favourites to hoist the Champions League trophy on June 1 next year.
United vs Bayern is one of the classic European ties and although Bayern lead the head to head between the two sides - four wins to United's two (there have been five draws) - United won the most important one of all: the 1999 Champions League final.
Since then, United have faced Bayern eight times, twice in the 2001-02 group phase, when both matches ended as draws; and six times across three two-legged quarter finals, in 2001, 2010 and 2014, with Bayern going through on each occasion.
Joining United in Group A are Copenhagen and Galatasaray, who are no European slouches themselves, both having recorded victories over United in the Champions League since the turn of the century.
Ahead of United's campaign getting underway, a 40-page special previewing United's latest tilt at European glory is now on sale.
Costing just £3, you can order it here , or in participating retail outlets from 13th September.