‘They got him sent off – typical Germans’
United, who lost on away goals having won 3-2 on the night, appeared to be cruising through when they led 3-0 after 40 minutes thanks to a Darron Gibson goal and a Nani brace.
But Ivica Olic slotted home just before the break to give Louis van Gaal’s side hope.
Rafael was dismissed for a second booking early in the second-half and a stunning volley from Arjen Robben saw the visitors progress on away goals as the tie ended 4-4 on aggregate.
Ferguson was furious about the manner in which the Bayern players had put pressure on referee Nicola Rizzoli to show Rafael a second yellow card after tugging back Franck Ribery.
When asked if the sending off had changed the course of the game, Ferguson said: “There is no doubt about it. They were never getting through that tie, with 11 men we had no problem.
“The young boy showed a bit of inexperience, but they got him sent off, everyone sprinted towards the referee – typical Germans.”
The Scot also believed United had been the better side across the two legs. “We played better today than they did in their own ground. I thought we defended very well, it’s taken an exceptional strike to settle the tie.
“We have done well, the performance was excellent, we were very unlucky.”
Ferguson also played down any fears that Wayne Rooney had suffered a recurrence of his ankle injury.
The England striker was a surprise starter at Old Trafford but was soon limping after being caught in a challenge and was eventually substituted after 55 minutes.
“We will have a look at it,” Ferguson said. “I don’t think it is serious. It’s just that tissue and the blood vessel has just burst. I am sure he’ll be fine for the following week.”
Bayern Munich manager Louis van Gaal saluted Robben’s ‘‘unbelievable’’ matchwinning goal and said his side played like a “great team’’.
“The goal from Robben was unbelievable,’’ van Gaal said.
“The first half wasn’t very good and we had to improve. It’s incredible what we did in the second half – we played fantastically.
“It’s not always easy to play against 10 men. We played like a great team.’’
Robben added: “When we were behind 3-0 I thought it was going to be a very difficult evening. But 3-0 was the same as 2-0. We had to score a goal.
“The goal from Olic gave us faith that we could still advance. We have to be honest. They were the better team at the start, with the atmosphere.’’
On the goal, he said: “I saw that Franck (Ribery) saw me at the corner. I knew the ball would come across to me. I tried to stay calm. You can use force or technique. I tried to use technique. It worked out.’’
The one bit of positive news for United came from Nemanja Vidic, the defender dismissing the prospect of a possible move away from the club.
Vidic has been the subject of intense speculation for most of the season, with claims his wife Ana is not happy in England and both AC Milan and Real Madrid suggested as potential destinations for the tough-tackling Serb.
However Vidic yesterday insisted that he has not spoken to any other club about leaving United at the end of the season.
“I have never said anything about wanting to leave,” he said.
“The speculation has all been generated by other people.
“I haven’t spoken to any other clubs. United is a great club. I have had a lot of success and made a name for myself here. I appreciate all of that.”
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