Report: Man Utd 1-1 Bayern – Resilient United Hold Out For Draw

TUESDAY 1ST APRIL 2014 – LAST 8 FIRST LEG

MANCHESTER UNITED 1-1 BAYERN MUNICH

Bastian Schweinsteiger scored and then saw red, as David Moyes kept his side well in the Champions League after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.

The United crowd were in fine voice, and were on their feet early on, Danny Welbeck taking the ball down and rifling the ball home from 20 yards, only to see the referee blow for a supposed high foot to the disbelief of the Stretford End.

As expected of a Pep Guardiola team, the plan was very much possession football, Ribery and Robben taking up free roles, the latter going closest for the visitors in the opening 10, curling an effort just wide from the corner of the box.

The Bavarians patience was tested as the hosts barricaded their 18 yard box, and it wasn’t until the half hour mark that they had another opportunity, again, the Dutch winger cutting inside and this time his curling effort was superbly tipped behind by De Gea.

Danny Welbeck was the go to man first half, his pace and power on the wing a welcome relief to his team, as they tried with all their might to pen Munich in their half. However, every time they came forward, more space opened up for the Germans on the counter.

The biggest moment in the first half undoubtedly came after 40 minutes, a through ball was inexplicably scuffed by Boateng, allowing Welbeck to surge down on Manuel Neuer only to foolishly attempt a chip which was batted away by the German stopper. That didn’t deter them though, Valencia unleashing a piledriver which was deflected over late on.

Moyes would have been the happier of the two managers going into the break, but with his side having just 22% of the possession in the opening period,

Half Time: Manchester United 0 Bayern Munich 0

The second half started very much like the first, resolute defending from United as the visitors struggled to find a gap, and just before the hour mark, they got the reward few expected.

Some dogged work down the left forced a corner, and with three attackers left up the field for the away side, United took their chance. Some poor marking left Vidic, leaning back, to head expertly home and give his side a priceless lead.

Things had to change and they did, Müller made way for Mandzukic and the impact was instant. A ball floated in from the right was skilfully knocked down for the on rushing Schweinsteiger, who gave De Gea no chance.

That goal visibly affected the English side, and they were again made to soak up pressure and feed on scraps, as Young and Hernandez replaced Büttner and Welbeck to add some much needed legs to the United XI.

Valencia was perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch after a late challenge in the opposing box, but Schweinsteiger wasn’t so lucky, as the clocked ticked to 90’, he was sent off for a second bookable offence, ruling him out of the return leg, along with Javi Martinez who reached the limit for bookings.

Full Time: Manchester United 1 Bayern Munich 1

A result that few expected will give Moyes some respite in a week that saw a section of fans protest against his leadership of the squad, but there is no doubt the Germans will still be favourites to progress at the Allianz Arena, where they have won all but one of their domestic games this season.