Tough group in the Champions League means Manchester United could fail to progress

The football season has seen a new chapter unfold with the Champions League groups now announced and the tournament being ready to kickstart in two weeks’ time. Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are the Premier League outfits taking part in this year’s UCL.

Manchester United have been placed in Group H alongside Serie A champions Juventus, Spanish outfit Valencia and Swiss club BSC Young Boys. The Red Devils have made an underwhelming start to their Premier League campaign, picking up just two wins in four games.

Manager Jose Mourinho once again cut a demeaning figure in front of the press after storming out from the post-match press conference after the Tottenham loss.

Pressure has certainly started to take its toll on Mourinho, who might be falling into another ‘third season meltdown’. Despite the fans applauding the manager after the game against Spurs, the Red Devils have not looked confident in the opening weeks.

They will now be coming up against the Italian champions who now boast the services of Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Manchester United winger made his name as a footballer in England before moving to Real Madrid.

Juventus have been dominant in their domestic quest and can punish the Red Devils on any given day. With the likes of Douglas Costa, Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala playing up front, Manchester United definitely have their work cut out. Juventus have so far started the Serie A in strong fashion and will be aiming for European silverware with Ronaldo on their side.

Jose Mourinho’s men then come up against a Valencia side who are yet to hit full throttle this season. Marcelino Garcia Toral’s men have only mustered 1 point in their opening three games but are capable of taking on anyone.

The Spanish outfit conceded just 38 goals in the league last season, lesser than that of Real Madrid, and the Red Devils could have a tough time breaching their backline. Mourinho has to tweak his offensive tactics to take down a rigid Valencia side who can grind out important wins.

BSC Young Boys are the only ones who could be a relatively easier team on paper for Manchester United. But in recent, the Red Devils have faltered against lesser sides as well. Young Boys have claimed some big scalps in their European journey over the years and could provide a stern test for Man United.

Mourinho has to get things up and running at Old Trafford or it could be a very long season for the Red Devils. Manchester United are already under immense pressure to perform after spending lavishly over the last two seasons. On current form, the Red Devils will be made to suffer in Europe.