Manchester United struggling early in 2023/24 season, with three losses in five Premier League games.
The Red Devils now face the unenviable task of travelling to the Allianz Arena to open their Champions League account, where they will come against a Bayern Munich team managed by Thomas Tuchel and spearheaded by a familiar foe in Harry Kane.
The pressure is starting to mount on Ten Hag, who has seen all of the momentum gained from a positive first season in charge sapped away by not only a hat-trick of defeats but also a string of concerning overall performances.
The United boss has a mountain of injuries to contend with - Aaron Wan-Bissaka the latest casualty from the weekend - and it could leave the Dutchman little alternatives when it comes to selecting his starting 11 in Bavaria.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)
GK: Andre Onana - It's been a baptism of fire for Onana at the start of his United career, and he's set for a busy night between the sticks.
RB: Diogo Dalot - The Portuguese defender has been one of the few shining lights for United so far this season, and his defensive mettle will once again be put to the test on Wednesday. Dalot will likely face up against the two-footed Serge Gnabry and a surging Alphonso Davies.
CB: Victor Lindelof - Injuries at the heart of United's defence should see Lindelof continue in Ten Hag's starting XI.
CB: Lisandro Martinez - It's been a poor start to the season for Martinez, who was excellent during his debut campaign. Ten Hag needs a monster performance from his butcher.
LB: Sergio Reguilon - The Tottenham loanee looked bright on debut but there's no getting away from the fact that United shipped three. Aaron Wan-Bissaka's injury all but guarantees him a start in Munich.
CM: Casemiro - The Brazilian has endured a sharp demise at the start of 2023/24, but Sofyan Amrabat might not yet be ready for a full 90 minutes after recovering from a minor injury.
CM: Scott McTominay - The Scot's running power will be needed against a powerful Bayern midfield spearheaded by Leon Goretzka.
RM: Bruno Fernandes - With Antony and Jadon Sancho both unavailable, United have few options down the right which forced Ten Hag to change tack against Brighton. However, with the boss returning to basics on Wednesday from a systematic perspective, he could use Bruno wide right and allow him to roam.
AM: Christian Eriksen - Eriksen's declining mobility is an issue, but the Dane's playmaking will be key in penetrating Bayern's aggressive defensive line.
LM: Marcus Rashford - While Bruno and Eriksen will be expected to distribute, Rashford will be the primary receptor of United's attempts to break in behind Bayern's defence. He has a massive role to play on Wednesday.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund - While he may not yet be ready for a "whole game" as Ten Hag said post-Brighton, the young striker will almost certainly make his first Champions League start at the Allianz.
