‘A better team’: Manager fires dig at Manchester United ahead of crunch Champions League tie

Copenhagen boss Jacob Neestrup has briefly analysed the difference between facing Manchester United and Manchester City.

His side face an uphill battle in their Champions League quest on Wednesday evening when they enter the second leg of their last-16 clash having to overturn a 3-1 scoreline. They take on current holders of the trophy City at the Etihad so, of course, the Danish club enter the tie as the major underdogs.

Copenhagen have already proven that they’re capable of stepping up to the plate this campaign though, having progressed from a group containing Bayern Munich, United and Galatasaray by finishing second-placed.

The Lions held German giants Bayern to a draw in the penultimate group-stage match, ending their 17-game winning streak in that phase of the competition.

They also oversaw an emphatic – for them, anyway – triumph over the Red Devils at Parken; United took an early two-goal lead through Rasmus Hojlund before the clash drew level by half-time. Bruno Fernandes restored his team’s advantage in the 69th minute but in the closing stages, Copenhagen scored in the 83rd and 87th minute respectively to seal a shock win from the 4-3 thriller.

Neestrup details current form between Manchester clubs

When quizzed on playing both Manchester clubs this season, Neestrup told reporters (via Simon Stone): “It is simple [the difference between them]. Manchester City right now is a better team. 

“We played three very good clubs in the group stage but this is a level or two up. All teams can feel that difference when they play against City.”