Bayern Munich fixture could dictate Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Manchester United transfer plans

Tonight could mark the last time the Champions League theme tune reverberates around Old Trafford this season.

With just under a fortnight to go until Christmas, Manchester United's involvement in Europe's premier club competition is in great danger of coming to a premature conclusion. Erik ten Hag's side must beat Bayern Munich this evening and hope that FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray cannot be separated in the other game in Group A.

United, who were embarrassed by Bournemouth on Saturday, head into tonight's encounter bottom of the group and with limited expectations on their shoulders. Nobody expects them to beat Bayern, regardless of what happens on the other side of the North Sea.

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The fact United face elimination from the Champions League at the first hurdle this season, having fought so tirelessly to get back into the competition last term, sums up their season so far. It has so far consisted of let-downs, regression and performances that would not have looked out of place on Thursday nights in either the Europa League or the Europa Conference League.

As disappointing and underwhelming as it would be for United to say farewell to the competition before the knockout stages have even commenced, exiting the Champions League will do more damage than just harm the reputations of Ten Hag and his players, who, over the course of their first five matches, have not done anywhere near enough to warrant a place in the last-16 alongside the likes of Bayern, Manchester City and Arsenal.

The Champions League is a money tap, bringing in huge financial benefits, not only via prize money, but also