Larsson: Reds won't be scared of atmosphere

Jordan, the 26-year-old forward, who is the joint-leading scorer for his side in this season's Champions League, came on as a substitute in the reverse fixture back in October, but saw his last-gasp penalty thwarted by Andre Onana, much to the delight and relief of the Old Trafford faithful.

Larsson senior was watching on in M16, for a game won by Harry Maguire’s header, but thinks it could be more of a difficult proposition for Erik ten Hag’s men in Denmark.

“Well, I was in Manchester for the away game and I think that Copenhagen played a fairly even game with Manchester United,” former Reds favourite Larsson said, in an exclusive interview with club media.

“I think they played a really good game and I think they were a little bit unlucky not to get a draw.

“Obviously, I would have loved to see my son score the penalty, but it wasn't to be that time.

“Tonight, I think Manchester United are going to be more aware of what they are facing because now they play them once, but I still fancy the chances for Copenhagen to get some form of result today because they're strong playing at home.”

The febrile atmosphere at Parken Stadium is something coach Jacob Neestrup referred to in Tuesday’s press conference, saying it would be ‘100 times more intense’ than that seen at Old Trafford a fortnight ago.

Larsson agrees that the Copenhagen fans are special but thinks the Reds should be used to dealing with whatever they come up against.

“They have great fans there and the atmosphere in the ground is just brilliant. I think tonight, playing Champions League, it’s going to be even better,” he added.

“That’s always going to be the so-called 12th man, but, at the same time, I can’t see the United players getting scared of the atmosphere because obviously you’re playing in front of far more fans week in, week out, if you’re playing at home or away from home in the Premier League. I don’t think that’s going to affect them that much.

“It depends how United are set for the game, how badly they want to win. I think if you look to the two squads, there's more quality in United, which it should be as well.”

The Danish champions sit bottom of Group A and have one point from their three opening fixtures, although Larsson believes they have been a touch unfortunate so far, considering their relative inexperience.

“I mean, if you look at those games, Galatasaray away from home, they were 2-0 up. They got a man sent off and couldn't really handle that and then ended up with a draw, which, beforehand, you would say is a good result. They were a little bit unlucky there.

“I was in Copenhagen watching the Bayern Munich game and that was the same. I think they handled themselves very, very well against Bayern Munich, which is a very good team. And again, they were unlucky not to get anything out of the game.

“If you look at the game at Old Trafford, United had a few chances to get clean on goal, but the first touch let the players down on those occasions.

“With a little bit of luck, they could have more points, but that's also the experience of playing in the Champions League and taking the crucial moments and making them an advantage for you, which I think they haven't done.”

Despite his connections with United, Larsson is, unsurprisingly, on the side of the home team and is eager to see a close contest in the Danish capital.

“I hope it's going to be a nice game for FC Copenhagen tonight.

“Obviously, I'm rooting for my son's team on this day, but I hope it's going to be a tight game because I think everybody loves to watch a tight game instead of United running away with the easy game.”