Manchester United were eliminated from the Champions League on Tuesday night courtesy of a disappointing 1-0 loss against Bayern Munich.
Erik ten Hag had called on his side to be brave before the game, but in truth, they never really showed up as Bayern effortlessly dispatched the Red Devils. Kingsley Coman grabbed the only goal of the game, which saw United finish bottom, while Copenhagen - who beat Galatasaray 1-0 in Denmark - moved onto the knockout stages along with Bayern.
It was a low-key first half at Old Trafford with United only really mustered two chances: Luke Shaw’s effort that Manuel Neuer punched over and a Bruno Fernandes free-kick that deflected out for a corner.
United did manage to create some good openings in the wide areas but a lack of end product from Antony and Alejandro Garnacho meant the hosts couldn’t capitalise on those opportunities. Meanwhile, Bayern carried more of a threat, with Leroy Sane twice going close via a miss-hit shot in the box and a driving run that was eventually snuffed out by Diogo Dalot.
If the opening 45 minutes were competitive yet underwhelming, the second period was a huge disappointment. Bayern weren’t at their best but retained possession with relative ease in United’s half. That in turn, sucked the enthusiasm from what should have been a raucous Old Trafford crowd as the home fans were evidently underwhelmed, especially following the news that Copenhagen had taken the lead in the other group game.
Bayern took advantage of United’s timid approach and grabbed the only goal of the game in the 71st minute as Coman wriggled in between Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat. He continued his run and was seconds later fed the ball by Harry Kane, with Coman capitalising on the space left in the centre of defence by Jonny Evans, and he then coolly slotted past Andre Onana.
United couldn't muster any sort of serious response - they managed one attempt in the second half - and it was Bayern who went closest to netting late on via strikes from Leon Goretska and Kim Min-Jae, both of which were blocked, while Harry Kane headed wide.
It was a low-key ending to what United had hoped to be an emotional and memorable night - instead Ten Hag's side finished last in the group and won't play in Europe at all in the second half of the season.
Here's how we rated United's players....
1. Andre Onana- 6
Made two early saves to keep out Joshua Kimmich and Kane, but didn't face many shots from Bayern.
2. Diogo Dalot- 6
Offered a threat going forward in the first half and, in the main, coped well with opposition wingers Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman.
3. Harry Maguire- 7 (off 40)
Picked up what appeared to be a groin problem and, after trying to soldier on, was replaced. The defender had played well in the opening stages and looked confident on the ball.
4. Raphael Varane- 6 (off 80)
Made some good defensive headers in the first half and didn't make any real errors on his return to the team.