An in-depth analysis of Manchester United's turbulent Champions League opener, highlighting key concerns, player performances, and the anticipation of Raphael Varane's return.

In a tumultuous commencement to their Champions League campaign, Manchester United found themselves on the wrong end of a 4-3 scoreline against Bayern Munich in Germany. Although the final score may imply a closely contested match, the reality was far from that, as United struggled to keep pace with Bayern, relying on a late brace from Casemiro to salvage a more respectable outcome. The pressure on manager Erik ten Hag has undoubtedly intensified following this setback.

Here, we glean four key takeaways from Manchester United's defeat:

1. Andre Onana's Struggles in Goal

There is no need to heap excessive criticism on Andre Onana. The goalkeeper has openly acknowledged his culpability in Bayern's initial goal and has conceded that his performance since joining United this summer has fallen short of expectations. While his accountability is commendable, the statistics speak for themselves: conceding 14 goals in just six games, marked by several shaky moments, is unquestionably subpar. Patience from the fans may be required as Onana endeavors to find his form. This situation evokes memories of David de Gea's challenging early days at Old Trafford, when the Spaniard faced similar struggles but ultimately blossomed into one of the world's premier goalkeepers. United supporters have been through this before, and the path forward is to persevere and allow Onana the time to acclimate.

2. Persistent Midfield Issues

One of the glaring concerns evident this season has been Manchester United's midfield imbalance. The acquisition of Mason Mount has yet to yield the desired immediate results, and this match underscored that he is not solely to blame for the midfield woes. While Casemiro managed to bag two late goals, they merely obscured the overall shortcomings in the 31-year-old's performance, particularly in comparison to Bayern's midfield dynamism. Beside him, Christian Eriksen's aging legs were conspicuous. While Eriksen is known for his playmaking abilities, the limited time on the ball meant he struggled to showcase his skills and keep pace with the opposition. Ten Hag appears to be pinning his hopes on Sofyan Amrabat to resolve the midfield dilemma, and the manager's judgment in this regard is crucial.

3. Facundo Pellistri's Mixed Showing

With Antony and Jadon Sancho unavailable for various off-field reasons, Erik ten Hag responded to fans' pleas by affording 21-year-old Facundo Pellistri an opportunity. Pellistri found himself under unwarranted pressure before the game, as Ten Hag publicly stated that he was inserted into the lineup to exploit perceived weaknesses in Alphonso Davies' defending. Under this intensified spotlight, Pellistri delivered a performance that could be described as mixed. The Uruguayan international displayed glimpses of promise but also revealed his inexperience at the highest level. Whether he will receive another chance to prove himself in the upcoming weeks remains uncertain. Ten Hag now faces a pivotal decision regarding his right-wing options, with Alejandro Garnacho and the adaptable duo of Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes presenting alternatives.

4. The Eagerly Awaited Return of Raphael Varane

Post-match, Erik ten Hag implored United's defensive line to engage in self-reflection after conceding a series of preventable goals. The central defensive pairing of Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez, who was clearly still acclimatizing to match tempo, exhibited a noticeable lack of composure against Bayern and cried out for the calming influence of an experienced defender. Unfortunately, Raphael Varane, typically partnering with Martinez when fit, has been sidelined with a muscle injury. However, there is optimism as Varane cautiously returns to training, potentially marking his comeback against Burnley in the upcoming weekend. United's fortunes at the back are eagerly dependent on Varane's swift return to action.