Erik ten Hag Reacts To Man United Early ELIMINATION From UCL And Europe This Season.

Manchester United’s abysmal participation in Europe this season has ended, as they also failed to clinch a spot in the Europa League as well.

Prior to the game, United were rooted to the bottom of Group A after three defeats in five matches and they knew fate wasn't in their hands, as they needed to beat table-toppers Bayern and hope Copenhagen and Galatasaray draw in the other group game so they could advance to the knockout round.

Erik ten Hag's side, suffered an early personnel blow during the encounter with German gaints Bayern Munich at Old Trafford, as they were forced to make a substitution in the first half.

The Premier League’s November Player of the Month, Harry Maguire, was forced off with an injury and with Victor Lindelof not in the squad, Jonny Evans the only centre back on the bench replaces Maguire who has started 14 games in succession, receives a standing ovation from Old Trafford as he goes off in the 40th minute.

Despite the setback, United were the much better side managing to hold their own against the Bavarians and entered the break level at 0-0. Bayern struggled to retain possession and their passing being sloppy.

Luke Shaw, who looked to be in some discomfort with a hamstring injury just before half-time, was also replaced by Wan-Bissaka for the second half.

Dalot moved to left-back and Wan-Bissaka at right-back, as expected following that change.

As the game progressed in the second period, it was clear that United players became more fatigued, lacked legs and ran out of ideas that could have maybe made a difference.

Their resilience finally failed when Bayern took the lead in the 70th minute through Kingsley Coman, who benefitted from a brilliant assist from Harry Kane.

The only goal was enough to hand Bayern a 1-0 win as the Bavarians completed the double over the Red Devils.

United only managed one shot on target at Manuel Neuer’s goal, from their total five shots. Bayern on the other hand registered 10 shots, with three of these being on target.

United finishes bottom of Group A with one win, one draw, four defeats and a goal difference of -3. Such an awful performance, allowing Danish minnows Copenhagen to join Bayern Munich in the next round.

The Reds' only win in the group came against Copenhagen at Old Trafford in October and Andre Onana made a superb penalty save in stoppage time to deny the Danish champions a late equaliser.

Erik ten Hag had more to say about Manchester United's elimination from European competition: "There are still many things to play for, we can focus of course on the Premier League. This is the level we want to play, Champions League, so we have to give every effort for the top four.

"Both sides less chances, but I think there was a good intensity in the game. We brought Bayern out of the rhythm of their game, defensive pressing we did quite well.

"(Rasmus Hojlund) scored five goals in the Champions League. He has to build on this into the Premier League. Today we didn't create so many chances, also has to do with a very good opponent you have to face.

"Why did this happen? It is simple today, we have to make subs, we are losing players, very decisive for our game who can make the difference. That is a reason but don't see it as an excuse, even when not all on board we have to win."

Out of the Champions League before Christmas, and not even in the Europa League. Of all United's group stage eliminations, this was worst with an awful defensive record. They become the first Premier League side to concede 15 goals in the Champions League group stage and have lost seven games already at Old Trafford this season.

With their current form in the Premier League, it is uncertain whether they will be back in Europe’s premier competition next season.

To make it worse, a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool in the League comes next on Sunday. United may be without Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw for the daunting task.

The only positive for United heading to that encounter across the north west, is that Jurgen Klopp's men will have just two days fewer to prepare for the game as they are in Europa League action against Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday night.

In case you needed reminding, United were beaten 7-0 in that fixture last season.