Source: Manchester_EveningNews
Bayern Munich 2 United 1: Player ratings
Van der Sar: Had to show smart reactions as Bayern's dangerman and potential Reds summer target Ribery powered in a shot on 20 minutes. Got out of jail when Olic missed a sitter after a poor punched clearance. Was eventually beaten by Olic but it certainly wasn't his fault. 8[LNB] Neville: The skipper had a busy night against French ace Ribery but relished the challenge in his no-nonsense style. Perfectly timed tackle on home hero Olic as Munich pressed. Silly handball easily spotted by the excellent ref seriously marred his performance. Livewire Ribery took the freekick which flicked off Rooney in the defensive wall to beat Van der Sar for the equaliser. 5 Ferdinand: Ferdinand's reading of the game ensured he was rarely out of position against opponents lacking much of an X-factor. But he could have done more as Olic showed great energy to force the late winner. 6 Vidic: Looked solid after the rough and tumble at the Reebok. Blockbusting header from substitute Giggs' corner left the German crossbar shaking. 7 Evra: Will be disappointed after allowing Olic to dart in from his flank to score the late goal. Not like the cultured defender show a dip, in form at such an important stage of the game. The boss was right to describe it as a terrible goal to give away. 5 Fletcher: Never ever accepts he's beaten and almost has as much energy as Park. He's now putting in shifts when it matters - reminiscent of the great Roy Keane and even Bryan Robson. It's a pity he's Scottish because he'd put some backbone in Capello's World Cup team. If everyone fought like him United would have escaped with a draw. 7 Carrick: Neat and tidy with a creative streak which makes him a perfect pairing for Fletcher. He wasn't at his influential best and it was no surprise he was sacrificed as Fergie made a double substitution midway through the second half. 5 Scholes: Surprise pick to start ahead of in form Valencia as Fergie packed central midfield. Sir Alex said in his half-time team talk he didn't want United to lose possession so often. That surely can't have been directed at the Saddleworth superstar who didn't misplace a pass and was able to push forward to support Rooney. 6 Nani: Hit the bar midway through the first half as he whipped in a cross and gained great confidence from setting up Rooney's opener. He was able to exploit space created by Ribery's efforts to get the Germans back in game. Wrist injury forced his withdrawal to allow Giggs into the fray. 6 Park: Had been growing in confidence at this key stage of the season. However the Korean didn't impose himself against Munich in the way he has of late in a congested midfield and was substituted. 5 Rooney: Thank heavens the 11th hour rumours about him not starting were untrue! Could not have been a better start for United with perhaps the best striker in the world, who Munich stupidly said pre-match they didn't fear, taking advantage of an embarrassing slip from the masked Demichelis to put United into a first minute lead. Blotted his copybook for the equaliser and was rightly booked. Nightmare wait for the nation now he's injured his ankle. 7 Subs: Berbatov (for Park 69) No chance of making an impact as the Germans were so much in control¦.5 Valencia (for Carrick 69) Must have been tough for Fergie not to start him but by the time he did get off the bench the game was going away from United¦.5 Giggs (for Nani 82) As one of only two survivors from the treble-clinching triumph in Barcelona against Munich, a fairytale was on as Giggs replaced Nani. Pity it turned into a nightmare. Too late to mark. United subs not used: Kuszczak, Rafael Da Silva, Jonathan Evans, Gibson. Bayern: Butt, Lahm, Van Buyten, Demichelis, Badstuber, Altintop(Klose 86), Van Bommel, Pranjic, Ribery, Muller (Gomez 73), Olic. Subs: Rensing, Gorlitz, Contento, Alaba, Tymoschuk BATTLE OF THE BOSSES: Fergie's substitutions just didn't work and it was a puzzle that Berbatov of all people was introduced. He's not really one for when the going has got tough. Sir Alex had to do something but this time his tactics didn't work. Last laugh then to Louis Van Gaal. Remember though 1-0 at Old Trafford in the return leg next week sends United through. Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium): Excellent performance from the official who called everything right and significantly added to the spectacle by allowed the game to flow¦..8 Agree with the ratings? Have your say. [LNB]
