Scandinavian Reds: Copenhagen was a dream draw
The passion and power of Manchester United's largest supporters' club will be there for all to see over the next couple of weeks, as we take on Danish opposition for the first time since 2020.
“In the supporters’ club, we will be sending 250 Scandinavian supporters, which is the amount of tickets we got our hands on,” he explains, “but I wouldn’t be surprised if there were a lot of others making their own way over [to Manchester]. It’s going to be two great games overall.”
“FC Copenhagen has the biggest fan base located here [in the city of Copenhagen], but across Denmark it’s probably between Brondby and FC Copenhagen,” Hagelund assesses.
“And then of the UK clubs, the majority of fans are divided between United and Liverpool. But even though some might be supporting Copenhagen, everyone is really happy to host United. For me United is a boyhood dream and something I’ve been following for many, many years.”
FC Copenhagen name their travelling squad
ArticleRasmus Hojlund's brother Oscar is in the 23-man group, with other sibling Emil among the UEFA Youth League group.
It’s a particularly proud time to be a Danish Red, of course, with Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund well established as important players in the United first team. But Anton reckons that the latter’s rapid rise to prominence has surprised everyone in Denmark – and possibly even the player himself.
“I don’t think he was expecting or even aiming for Manchester United just six months back,” he says.
“It’s obviously a massive dream for him. He is, as far as I know, a big, big Manchester United fan. As a Danish spectator and a United fan myself, it’s a great privilege to have Danish players playing for a club like United. He’s brought in a lot of good things already, definitely. He seems very mature for a 20-year-old, and very positive. But why not? If I imagine myself coming to United, I’d give everything to make the most out of it!”
Match preview: United v Copenhagen
ArticleEverything you need to know ahead of what is set to be a poignant night at Old Trafford.
The trip to Old Trafford is a regular one for many supporters from MUSC Scandinavia (the group holds hundreds of season tickets) but the return match at Parken Stadium on 8 November will represent United’s first competitive match in the Danish capital since 2006.
“We already have planned a two-day event,” enthuses Anton. “It will start on 7 November in a bar known as ‘The Happy Pig’ [Den Glade Gris] where fans can drop in and watch the Champions League on the Tuesday. Then on matchday, it’s going to open at 12. There’s going to be some musicians coming, some quizzes, and it’s hopefully going to be a vibrant environment for both Danish United fans and also United fans coming from abroad.
“I’ve been in contact with a few members of The Red Army and I’m really looking forward to inviting them into what we perceive as the best place in Copenhagen to see and follow United. Hopefully we will have a few great days around that match.”
Press conference: United v FC Copenhagen
Press conference | Erik ten Hag and Diogo Dalot spoke eloquently about Sir Bobby, before previewing Tuesday's match...
Being drawn in the same group as Bayern Munich, United and Galatasaray means progression to the Champions League knockout stages is a tough ask for the Danish champions, but Hagelund says many locals are buzzing to welcome not only Erik ten Hag's men but the Germans and the Turks too.
“No one would expect FC Copenhagen to end higher than Galatasaray and United – even finishing higher than Galatasaray would be a huge achievement.
“From a Copenhagen perspective, it’s a dream coming true to have as big a teams as possible visiting. But hopefully United are able to control the games and show why it’s the bigger club.”
This article was first published in United Review, our official match programme for the Copenhagen game.