Analysis: Man Utd v Bayern Munich

A dramatic game in the Champions League saw Man Utd somewhat unfortunately go out on away goals to Bayern Munich. Here is our analysis of their great first half, that red card, Fergie’s bizarre tactical adjustment, and Arjen Robben’s superb goal…

Firstly, Man United were unfortunate, if not unlucky, to go out. They played very well for the most part, and were beaten by a combination of a stupid red card, a strange decision from Sir Alex, and a superb goal from Arjen Robben.

The early big news was Wayne Rooney starting – but his influence on the game turned out to be negligible. He did set up Gibson’s opening goal, but other than that was largely anonymous, hassled and harried by Bayern’s defenders. He took another knock during the game, and was ultimately withdrawn early in the second half as a result of the dismissal.

It was United’s other attacking tyros who gave them the start they craved. Darron Gibson, a surprise inclusion, immediately justified his selection with a strike that beat Hans-Jorg Butt at his near post – and although the keeper was unsighted, he arguably could have done better.

Valencia and Nani caused havoc on the wings, unably marshalled by the German full backs, and the former crossed for the latter to put United two up in only the seventh minute. Although the flick looked good, God knows why Nani didn’t just finish with his leading right foot. Fortunately it beat Butt at his far post, and United were jubilant.

And it only got better, as the energy of the wingers plus Carrick, Gibson and Fletcher didn’t let up, gave their opponents no time on the ball, shut down and chased at 100mph, and ultimately bullied Bayern into conceding again, Valencia’s cross swept into the roof of the net for Nani’s second and United’s third.

They looked home and hosed – but never discount the Germans.

In the 43rd minute Bayern broke in what was their only real attack of the first half, Carrick slipped, and Olic scrambled the ball across Edwin Van Der Sar and into the far corner to get them back into the game. They scarcely deserved it – United fully merited a three goal and 4-2 aggregate lead at half time, and it would have significantly changed the atmosphere in the two dressing rooms.

Early in the second half came the key moment. Rafael dragged Ribery back and was shown a second yellow, adding to the foolish kick out he was punished for in the first half. He had marshalled Ribery excellently up to that point, and looked to have validated Ferguson’s decision to go with youth and vigour over the experience of Gary Neville. However, for all the energy Rafael offered, he also displayed a naivety that Neville surely would not have, and with his dismissal the game turned.

However, Ferguson’s reaction to going down to 10 contributed much to United’s eventual defeat. He had numerous options and chose to remove Rooney and bring on John O’Shea. The Irishman severely lacked match fitness, one, and two, it left United with no recognised striker. Gibson went to left midfield leaving Nani haring around upfront.

That left United with no outlet, no-one who could hold up the ball. Though Nani chased manfully (and could have scored once) immediately United were under seige, and it was relentless with nowhere for them to go.

Other solutions looked better. Berbatov had to come on and give United someone who could hold the ball up, supported by a midfielder (Valencia or Nani) where possible, and Fletcher to right back. A 4-3-1-1 if you like, with the other winger pushed narrow. Or a 4-4-1 with midfielders supporting the Bulgarian when they can. Alternatively, take off Rooney and Valencia/Nani, and play Giggs off Berbatov with the other narrow. Or if O’Shea has to come on, take off one of the wingers (and Rooney) and use the other winger off Berbatov with Fletcher in the midfield three. Heck, even take off Rooney, Valencia and Nani, put O’Shea to right back, and play Giggs off Berba.

Anything that gave United a recognised striker, a get out, an escape from the relentless attacks.

Nani on his own upfront against a good team who had to score just invited pressure, encouraged a bombardment, and forced United’s backs further against the wall.

I am in no place to criticise Sir Alex – but in my humble opinion he got it wrong. United were desperate for an outlet to relieve pressure, and had denied them one.

Berbatov eventually came on with 10 minutes to go, too late after Bayern scored, and the Germans closed the game out expertly.

But what a goal it was. Ribery’s corner was floated to the far angle of the box, and Robben – inexplicably unmarked – hit the cleanest volley you will ever see into Van Der Sar’s far corner. A superb goal, no doubt. But why was no-one on him? Even as the corner was taken and sailed towards the Dutchman, there was time to close him. But no-one got close enough.

Robben wheeled away and was soon substituted to rapturous congratulations from the Bayern bench. You sensed at that point that (despite 1999) they had the utmost confidence in their ability to hold onto that decisive goal and close out the game.

And so it proved, as United barely managed a serious attack after it.

Rafael, Ferguson and Robben had conspired to ensure there was no English team in the semi-finals for the first time in seven years.

Unfortunate for United, but not unlucky. They orchestrated their own demise, with Robben the key agent.