What did we really learn about Manchester United against Bayern Munich?

Article by e-Manchester United Correspondent Mark Harbottle

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Maybe Bayern Munich were better than us, and maybe we were unlucky. Would we have done any better against Madrid / Chelsea / Atletico over 2 legs? I guess we will never know. If a European trophy is not the result of our unexpected run in the Champions League, there is still a great deal we can take from this vein run of form.

Wayne Rooney is worth £300K a week

If an injection to fight through the pain barrier wasn’t enough, Wazza was at the heart of everything over the two legs of that tie. He held the ball up, bossed Kroos (and Schweinsteiger) whilst winning most 50/50 challenges. He had his head up throughout and genuinely looked bothered about winning this tie. Even without the ball when at times he might have lost interest or tracked back to full back to get the ball, he kept his position, giving us everything and proved that he wants the best for our club.

Danny Welbeck is absolutely rapid

Despite an absolute howler during the first leg when one on one with Neuer, Danny Welbeck was vital in this tie. He kept high up the pitch and stretched the length of the team. Regularly pestering Dante et al in defence, he proved that there is a place for him in at the highest level where he adds value as a real attacking threat. In the past he has looked a bit gangly and out of place, but Danny can make the cut as a Red Devil.

Vidic will be sadly missed

Our Captain, our Leader for nearly a decade. Nemanja Vidic has been at the heart of Manchester United’s defence and has literally bled for our team. Even when in recent months his ability has been questioned, his passion never has. An exquisite goal in the first leg and even a yellow card in the second – classic ‘Vida’. He might be on the first plane to Italy when the season is over, but he loves this club and we love him for it. One word: irreplaceable.

We might not need Luke Shaw

With rumours that this deal is already done; £27million and £80K a week, Lukey-boy might have already booked his train ticket (he still qualifies for a student railcard, so booking in advance will save about thirty quid). Alex Buttner proved to everyone – literally everyone – that against one of the best attacking club teams in the world he can defend, clear the ball and get himself up field. Perhaps the acquisition of Luke Shaw is less of a necessity compared to our midfield this summer.

Davie Moyes can get it right

He had a game plan, and he stuck to it. The second we were drawn Bayern Munich twitter was awash with ‘8-0, 9-0’ amongst other comical predictions. Where in the league he has perhaps lost his way with the enormity of the job, the Champions League was a chance to perform with next no pressure the further we progressed. It almost worked! I’m happy with our performance regardless of the fact we’ve been knocked out.

We can play as a team…again

I’ve read far too many articles this season about Manchester United playing as strangers, lost in different areas of the pitch, no fluidity and long, hopeless balls up front. The two legs against the CL crown holders puts new faith in our squad. Yes we’re going to have to write off the season, but perhaps a £200 million overhaul, circa 8 players out the team and a complete reshuffle is now looking a little bit exaggerated. We finally looked like the team that won the league last season, with some neat build up play and structure.

So before we say goodbye to CL football for at least 12 months let’s take the positives from this tie alone. I’m certainly more enthusiastic after the last 180 minutes of European football, and I’m sure Moyes, the players and fans will be the better off for the experience. See you in 2016 Bayern.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, and please follow me on twitter: @harbottle_mark

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