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A goal early in the second half by Nemanja Vidic, sent United on their way but Schweinsteiger equalised to put the tie firmly in the balance. Although United will be boosted by the suspension of the latter, who was red carded late in the game as they board for Bavaria next week. Here are the five talking points from the game.
#1 There is life in The Chosen One yet
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Going into a clash with the reigning European champions, not many gave Moyes even a sniff. There were those who suggested that it might be an embarrassment and that it will be the night when “The Chosen One” is finally exposed for what he really is. But after the full time whistle, Moyes was slightly unlucky that it was only a draw.
Whilst Bayern dominated possession, United defended manfully and created a couple of very decent openings. Although the League form has been woeful, in Europe, whenever his credentials were called into question, Moyes’ side have always managed to bail him out. And credit must go to Moyes for not throwing in the towel and showing the world that sheer determination and will power can get you through.
#2 Moyess simple tactics pay rich dividends
Going toe-to-toe with Europe’s best side is hardly what David Moyes would have wanted once he got through to the quarter-finals. But, David Moyes got his tactics spot on and in the end, reaped all the rewards. Moyes set his side up to ensure that they didn’t get beaten and that is precisely what happened over the course of 90 minutes.
United barely had the ball and although Bayern had possession, United’s dogged defense proved to be one tough nut to crack. On the break, they created a couple of decent chances, including the game’s best one, which Welbeck missed and looked threatening at set pieces. Half-time in the tie and Moyes outwitted Guardiola by simply turning back the clock and using his strengths to good effect.
#3 A commanding center half display from Vidic sets the tone
Although they were outplayed for vast stretches, United refused to wilt in the face of incessant Bayern pressure as they, arguably, gave their best defensive performance of the season thus far. They were led by their captain courageous Nemanja Vidic. He might be leaving in the summer, but he showed how big a miss he will be, with a commanding display, alongside his pal Rio Ferdinand.
The Serbian center half gave no inch and cleared everything that came his way. He also got the all-important first goal of the tie, a wonderfully twisting header from a corner, which briefly transformed Old Trafford into a happy place. Should United have any chance of going through, Vidic has to be at it again, in the second leg, next week.
#4 Moyes needs to find Carrick a proper partner
The number of times Carrick has emerged with credit from heavy defeats this season would have been a bitter sweet things for Moyes. On one hand, his play has rarely been better and has been United’s linchpin both in attack and defense. But on the other hand, the fact that United have been unable to find a suitable partner is worrying.
Against Bayern Munich, starting alongside Giggs and Fellaini, the Englishman was the only one of the trio to have emerged with any credit from the first half. Giggs was anonymous and the less said about Fellaini the better. Although Carrick came out on top in the battle against Schweinsteiger, he didn't have anybody alongisde him to share his responsibilities. And, if United are to have a realistic chance of going through, they need to find a partner who doesn’t constantly give the ball away.
#5 Bayern hold all the cards, but tie still alive
Can United go through to the semi-finals by beating Bayern in Bavaria? The obvious answer will be yes. Of course they can, but will they? Now that is a question that needs some thinking. Not many gave United a chance in the first leg, even Gary Neville in his club ambassador's column wrote: "In truth, for Manchester United to go through this tie, Bayern Munich are going to have to have an off-day while United are going to have to be at the level that's 100% of the team's capability … And then probably have that little bit of luck." United were certainly on the money on Tuesday and Bayern looked subdued for much of the game.
With Schweinsteiger and Martinez suspended for the second leg, United certainly have a chance of knocking Pep's team out if they can keep up their performances from the first leg. And however slight that chance may be, it will certainly be boosted by Tuesday night’s performance.
