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....
5. Luke Shaw- 5 (off 46)
A second defensive injury of the night with the left-back taken off at half-time. Shaw found it tough up against Coman during the first period.
6. Sofyan Amrabat- 4
Found it difficult to deal with Bayern's rapid attackers and was booked for a trip on Jamal Musiala in the second half. The Moroccan didn't create much on the ball.
7. Scott McTominay- 4
Was quiet for the second game in a row and didn't offer much on the ball. McTominay's high starting position made it difficult for him to receive passes to feet.
8. Bruno Fernandes- 5
Tried his best to find a way into the game for United, but too many of his passes in the final third missed their intended target.