No football fan ever thought that this would be the last season Manchester United would play in the UEFA Champions League. The Red Devils faced an uphill battle at the Allianz Arena last night to beat European champions Bayern Munich.
We have seen upsets in the past. However this time around, Manchester United went into the second leg having already conceded an away goal which gave German giants Bayern Munich the upper hand.
Wayne Rooney returned to the side after being rested from the weekend’s Premiership games. United Manager David Moyes knew that in order to win they had to score, as a goal-less draw would give Bayern the victory on aggregate.
With an attacking formation, United drew first blood in the second half when Patrice Evra scored in the 57th minute. Shortly after however, a wonder shot from Mario Mandzukic gave Bayern the equalizer.
Before the equalizer, United fans seemed confident they would see the game through. Moyes should have parked the bus, but Bayern Manager Pep Guardiola had already sent out a rallying cry to his team. Two more goals followed from Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben respectively, sending Manchester United crashing out of the Champions League.
It appears United’s luck in the Champions League has run dry in the last few seasons even under former Manager Sir Alex Ferguson. They last featured in a European cup final in 2011 when they lost to FC Barcelona, then-also managed by Pep Guardiola.
The next season, United were knocked out in the group stages and demoted to the Europa League where they would eventually lose to Spanish club Athletic Bilbao. Last season, they lost to Real Madrid in a controversial second leg infamous for Patrice Evra’s red card decision based on a high foot to Madrid defender Arbeloa.
Manchester United has had a disappointing season both domestically and in the UEFA Champions League. The arrival of a new manager and player injuries has negatively impacted the club. It is doubtful we’ll see them play in Europe next season. But a less-congested schedule may give the club a chance to re-asses their strengths and weaknesses, and hopefully work towards making a comeback!