Bayern Munich kicked off their Champions League Group A campaign with a breathtaking 4-3 win over Manchester United this evening, extending their remarkable unbeaten record in the group stage to 35 matches.
Looking to put last weekend’s disappointing defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion behind them, Man United started the game on the front foot with Bayern struggling to find their feet.
The Red Devils were almost rewarded for their positive start as Christian Eriksen saw a goalbound effort saved off the line by Sven Ulreich.
It took a while for Bayern to find their rhythm, but they demonstrated their ruthless side by netting twice in four minutes to stun the Man United faithful into silence.
The first goal came in fortuitous circumstances as Andre Onana shockingly failed to deal with Leroy Sane’s shot on goal – but the second was inspired by a moment of individual brilliance by Jamal Musiala.
The youngster ran through the Man United defence before picking out an unmarked Serge Gnabry in the box, who finished into the far corner.
Man United had started the game quickly, but all their good work was undone in four minutes, and Erik ten Hag’s side had it all to do after the half-time interval.
The Red Devils started the second period on the front foot, and it paid off as Marcus Rashford set up Rasmus Hojlund to fire in his first Man United goal on his Champions League debut.
With Man United back in the tie, you would expect the Red Devils to press on for an equaliser, but they presented Bayern with a chance to extend their lead as Eriksen was penalised for a handball in the box.
Harry Kane stepped up and clinically buried the spot-kick for his fifth goal across all competitions this season, re-establishing Bayern’s two-goal lead.
Man United were disoriented and Bayern nearly added a fourth, but Sane was denied by the woodwork after being brilliantly picked out by Musiala.
Man United struggled to fashion a response after Kane’s strike, but they were given a lifeline late on, as Casemiro did well to win the ball in the box and poke home past Ulreich, setting up a tense finale.
But once again, Bayern responded through second-half substitute Mathys Tel, who showed great composure in the box, taking a touch from Joshua Kimmich’s pass and firing into the roof of the net.
It appeared to be game over, but Man United had one final response as Casemiro headed home a Bruno Fernandes free-kick in the dying embers.
However, Ten Hag’s men had no time to level the scores, with Bayern emerging victorious in a game that will go down as a Champions League classic.
Bayern Munich vs Man United Player Ratings
Bayern Munich
Sven Ulreich (4/10) – Denied Man United early on with an exceptional save, but that was just about it.
Konrad Laimer (6/10) – His attacking enthusiasm was impressive, considering he was playing out of position – although he struggled to keep up with the tricky Rashford.
Dayot Upamecano (6/10) – Had Rashford to deal with and did well to limit the Englishman’s impact but was sometimes clumsy in possession.
Kim Min-jae (6/10) – Was a brick wall in the Bayern defence, and his ball-carrying ability was also crucial to Die Rekordmeister in the build-up phase.
Alphonso Davies (6/10) – Marshalled Pellestri in the first half and Rashford in the second. Also got forward well to support Gnabry and subsequently Sane.
Leon Goretzka (6/10) – Looked assured in possession and went about his business quietly. A solid performance from the German.
Joshua Kimmich (8/10) – Showed his class on the night. Dictated proceedings for Bayern and was a commanding presence in the middle of the park. Deserved his assist.
Serge Gnabry (7/10) – Had a slow start to the game, but his finish was clinical enough to double Bayern’s advantage. Often got the better of Dalot down the left flank too.
Jamal Musiala (8/10) – Caused several problems for the Man United backline, and his exceptional footwork, agility, and speed proved a catalyst for his assist.
Leroy Sane (7/10) – Looked dangerous every time he got on the ball and deserved his goal, however fortuitous.
Harry Kane (8/10) – A goal and an assist on his Champions League debut for Bayern. An all-round performance from the Englishman against his former admirers.
Substitute
Kingsley Coman (7/10)
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (7/10)
Thomas Muller (NA)
Mathys Tel (7/10)
Man United
Andre Onana (6/10) – His horrendous mistake gave Bayern the advantage against the run of play but spared Man United a more humiliating scoreline with a couple of fine saves in the second half.
Diogo Dalot (4/10) – An underwhelming display all-round. Largely ineffective at the top ends of the pitch, and his defensive performance was not up to scratch.
Victor Lindelof (4/10) – Looked shaky and unassured at the heart of the defence.
Lisandro Martinez (4/10) – Not much he could do about the goals but, like his defensive partner, struggled under the weight of Bayern’s relentless barrage.
Sergio Reguilon (4/10) – Got into good attacking positions and created decent chances for his side, especially in the first half, but struggled with his defensive responsibilities.
Casemiro (8/10) – Not a terrible performance from the Brazilian but not his best either. Was easy to get past, but scored twice in the game’s latter stages.
Christian Eriksen (3/10) – Struggled to hold down the fort in the middle of the park and was unfortunate to give away a penalty that made things worse for his side.
Facundo Pellistri (4/10) – Had a lively start to the game but ultimately faded into mediocrity as the game progressed.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10) – A massively underwhelming outing from the skipper. Lost the ball more times than any other Man United player and often came out second-best in duels.
Marcus Rashford (6/10) – Saw much of the ball on the left flank and was Man United’s most dangerous outlet. Lacked the all-important end product but did well to set up Hojlund.
Rasmus Hojlund (7/10) – Didn’t get much service but showed his clinical prowess in front of goal, punishing Bayern with his first shot on target. A Champions League debut strike will do wonders for his confidence.
Substitutes
Scott McTominay (5/10)
Alejandro Garnacho (4/10)
Anthony Martial (6/10)
