Great match for the start. We did a fabulous start AGAIN by scoring a Cristiano like strike against ROMA few seasons back in the 3rd minute. What's better than the game was to add to the tally with a Joe Cole goal that was scored against United just last week by Nani.

United started the game with the "no, you won't get the ball" mentality and it was a joy to watch. The 2 center midfield, Carrick and Fletcher, was dominant in the park. No Bayern player looked confident and they had no solution for that play. Valencia, Nani and Rafael were particularly outstanding as you can see they are a gear above all the players on the pitch.

1st goal, Rooney (ya, he played... nice tactic by the old fox) fake a one two and set up Gibson for the stunner. Not sure what the goalkeeper is doing do as he reacted only after the ball is in the back of the net.

2nd goal, a pure brilliance from Valencia to take on the left back and Kudos to Nani to keep running and found a good space to score that magnificent back heel goal. United was leading on aggregate but still wary that Bayern could come back with just 1 away goal.

3rd goal, United caught Bayern's defense sleeping and took a quick throw, which saw Valencia ran and ran and ran. He did a quick pass trying to pick up Rooney but it was Nani that does the final execution with some quality. He did that infamous double somersault. (Are you getting your potential driven here?)

After the 3rd goal, Bayern got their i was say freak and sloppy goal that United could have dealt better with. That really kick up the spirit for the Bayern players that they are still in the match. Rafael was booked early in the 18th minute and I feared the inexperience of him could well bring United down, and i was right.

Just 5 minutes into the 2nd half, Rafael tug Ribery's arm and was booked again to earn him a sent off. I shared the same sentiment with SAF that it was the Bayern's players pressuring the Ref to show him the 2nd yellow. In the normal BPL matches, that would earn him a final warning that he will be sent of if any challenge was made. Now United had 40 minutes to endure, what was being changed was John O'shea for Rooney who was limping after what was seen to be re-inured during the first half., so it was a safe decision to make. SAF made Nani the lone striker role which i feel the reason is that he is able to run fastest during counter attacks. Gibson was moved to the left. United was being pressed all the way until Robben made that stunning strike that brought Byern to meet Lyon in the Semi. That's it.

I think SAF had made good decision after the sent off but i feel better things could be done. What i would do is to replace Rooney with O'shea like what was done and play without a striker. Keep Nani on the left and Gibson roaming around. The 3 goals that was scored didn't have Rooney involved at all, so I would not deem a striker is necessary.

Well, remember during the 1st leg i said SAF should have played Carrick as holding midfield, it worked, didn't it ? This time Fletcher plays the central roaming around role and should be executing passes like Scholes and Gibson was given the Park's role to run all around the place to pressure and give support to Rooney. I think this could prove to be the new formation that SAF is considering for the final runs of games to the end of the league campaign.

Finally, I hope Bayern wins the Champions League because Manchester United only loses to the eventual winner at any stage. That's better, isn't it ? Rooney should be ok since he is walking normally.

Manchester United 3 - 2 Bayern - Aggregate(4 - 4) Bayern win on away goal.

Great match for the start. We did a fabulous start AGAIN by scoring a Cristiano like strike against ROMA few seasons back in the 3rd minute. What's better than the game was to add to the tally with a Joe Cole goal that was scored against United just last week by Nani.

United started the game with the "no, you won't get the ball" mentality and it was a joy to watch. The 2 center midfield, Carrick and Fletcher, was dominant in the park. No Bayern player looked confident and they had no solution for that play. Valencia, Nani and Rafael were particularly outstanding as you can see they are a gear above all the players on the pitch.

1st goal, Rooney (ya, he played... nice tactic by the old fox) fake a one two and set up Gibson for the stunner. Not sure what the goalkeeper is doing do as he reacted only after the ball is in the back of the net.

2nd goal, a pure brilliance from Valencia to take on the left back and Kudos to Nani to keep running and found a good space to score that magnificent back heel goal. United was leading on aggregate but still wary that Bayern could come back with just 1 away goal.

3rd goal, United caught Bayern's defense sleeping and took a quick throw, which saw Valencia ran and ran and ran. He did a quick pass trying to pick up Rooney but it was Nani that does the final execution with some quality. He did that infamous double somersault. (Are you getting your potential driven here?)

After the 3rd goal, Bayern got their i was say freak and sloppy goal that United could have dealt better with. That really kick up the spirit for the Bayern players that they are still in the match. Rafael was booked early in the 18th minute and I feared the inexperience of him could well bring United down, and i was right.

Just 5 minutes into the 2nd half, Rafael tug Ribery's arm and was booked again to earn him a sent off. I shared the same sentiment with SAF that it was the Bayern's players pressuring the Ref to show him the 2nd yellow. In the normal BPL matches, that would earn him a final warning that he will be sent of if any challenge was made. Now United had 40 minutes to endure, what was being changed was John O'shea for Rooney who was limping after what was seen to be re-inured during the first half., so it was a safe decision to make. SAF made Nani the lone striker role which i feel the reason is that he is able to run fastest during counter attacks. Gibson was moved to the left. United was being pressed all the way until Robben made that stunning strike that brought Byern to meet Lyon in the Semi. That's it.

I think SAF had made good decision after the sent off but i feel better things could be done. What i would do is to replace Rooney with O'shea like what was done and play without a striker. Keep Nani on the left and Gibson roaming around. The 3 goals that was scored didn't have Rooney involved at all, so I would not deem a striker is necessary.

Well, remember during the 1st leg i said SAF should have played Carrick as holding midfield, it worked, didn't it ? This time Fletcher plays the central roaming around role and should be executing passes like Scholes and Gibson was given the Park's role to run all around the place to pressure and give support to Rooney. I think this could prove to be the new formation that SAF is considering for the final runs of games to the end of the league campaign.

Finally, I hope Bayern wins the Champions League because Manchester United only loses to the eventual winner at any stage. That's better, isn't it ? Rooney should be ok since he is walking normally.

Manchester United 3 - 2 Bayern - Aggregate(4 - 4) Bayern win on away goal.