Embattled manager keeps key ally Roy onside

United have been looking for heroes in unfamiliar places lately.

Clive Tyldesley picked out their main men. “It’s more than 13 years since Roy Keane berated the prawn sandwich brigade — the fans have been the stars here this season.”

On the night, Roy sounded like a man whose own hunger had been temporarily sated. If David Moyes is to enjoy, as he vowed, many battles with Pep Guardiola, he’ll be anxious to keep one influential voice on side.

“The man needs to be given time. It’s a big ask, but I hope we see the real United tonight.”

After 20 minutes, Andy Townsend was beginning to suspect we had. “Dare I say, it’s got the same feel about it as when City came here.”

First half, we played “under the cosh” bingo.

Townsend issued the standard early warning about John Foreigner and his wiles. “Any touch they’re going to hit the floor straight away” — just as Vidic tumbled under a brush from Muller.

Andy and Clive have had plenty of practice at this kind of thing, over the years, following England and her clubs. The drill is familiar enough.

The first quarter-hour brought several “overloads” and more than one “just clearing their lines”. By the 19th minute we had the first “mesmeric”, by 25 an outing for “one-way traffic”.

On the half-hour, brief acceptance. “It’s brilliant to watch.”

That never lasts. “Keep the ball,” roared an exasperated Townsend, as Fellaini, in particular, looked like a man with a fair bit of prawn on board.

When Welbeck blew the big chance, Clive admired his confidence. At half-time on TV3, John O’Shea would rather have admired a goal. “You’d have to say ‘too cocky’.”

Different hymn sheets at the break. “The rest of the story was siege — Bayern totally on top,” suggested Tommy Martin. “It’s hanging on stuff,” agreed Brian Kerr.

Still no stomach for a fight from Roy. “Great desire, determination like all great United teams. The players have been fantastic. Chasing lost causes.”

Kerr had reminded us earlier that Shakira lurked on the Bayern bench. If the hips weren’t lying, the possession stats soon did.

“Bayern Munich have had all of the ball. But Manchester United have had all of the goals,” roared a jubilant Tyldesley.

Before the end, a touch from Schweinsteiger saw Rooney hit the floor straight away. Andy’s moral compass stuck. “Yeah, quite right Wayne.”

Joy had lasted eight minutes but there was more than enough to keep Roy satisfied. “The manger, the players and the fans played their parts. A fair result. A big boost for United. They looked dangerous. The game plan was counterattack. I thought Vidic was outstanding. They’re more than capable of scoring in the away game.”

Lee Dixon dampened things a little: “It was pretty even. I saw David Moyes shaking his head as if to say ‘shame we didn’t win it’. But overall, he’ll be very pleased to still be in the tie.”

On the Schweinsteiger red, Adrian Chiles made a game attempt to balance the books.

“If Wayne’s name was Arjen, we’d be up in arms there.”

Sympathy for a man who will miss a big game after a lunge? Not Roy: “For a player of such experience, Schweinsteiger has given the referee a chance. I don’t think you can be too critical of Wayne there.”

Moyes out of troubled waters then? “They’ve climbed a little bridge, here,” suggested Dixon.

On TV3, less of the gallant underdog vibe as Kerr felt Moyesy may still have a toll or two to pay, along the way.

“United have decent enough players. We’re not talking Gibraltar playing Brazil.”