United dare to dream as Bayern show hint of weakness

Whisper it, but the emotions around Old Trafford edged, ever so slightly, from outright hope towards expectation over the weekend. Not that any of the Manchester United fans travelling to Bayern Munich’s fortress in Bavaria would ever dare admit it.

This has been one long season for those supporters, not to mention David Moyes and his players. But there have been two areas which have provided the odd reason to be cheerful. The first is their form away from home; their second is their record in the Champions League.

So it is perhaps appropriate that what could be the side’s last meaningful game of the campaign comes on the road in Europe. What’s more, they are still very much in the tie ahead of the second leg at the Allianz Arena — which looked like a big ask when the sides were initially paired.

And their would have been more than a few curious glances from Manchester at the news that Bayern had lost in the Bundesliga, albeit with a much-changed line-up, ending their 53-game unbeaten streak. Add to that United’s confident 4-0 win away at Newcastle and the underdogs are daring to dream.

It’s also worth noting that Bayern have failed to win any of their last four fixtures against English sides in Munich.

But, predictably, Moyes is remaining very pragmatic about the occasion but he has the air of a man sensing an opportunity.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to the game. The second leg, quarter- final of the Champions League and the chance to reach the semi-final. It’s a massive game — one all the players are looking forward to and we will do everything we can to reach the semi-final.

“I think the only thing my focus has been towards is going through. To be talking about things that have gone on in the league... we would do better looking at this game. We’ve got the players focused, there’s a big job in hand — a big task. It’s the sort of game United have been involved in over the years, we are ready for it again.

“It’s a game everyone is ready for. We prepared by beating Newcastle United and the players are going into it in a good state of mind. We have to go into this game as a cup final for us. We went to be in the Champions League final but first we have to win this final, which is a second leg tie against Munich.”

United drifted right out to 33/1 to win the tournament once they were drawn against Bayern Munich, who were made 9/5 tournament favourites with United, considering their domestic struggle this season, in their path.

Many expected Bayern, with their own brand of Guardiola ‘tika-taka’ football, to sweep the hosts aside during last week’s visit to England’s north-east and this second leg would become something of a procession.

United enjoyed just 26% of the possession in that first leg but, most importantly, held Bayern to a 1-1 draw. Moyes admitted: “I would like to have more possession of the ball and have a bigger effect on the game when we’ve got it. My plans would be to do that, though those were my plans in the first leg as well.”

But this opportunity for United is about more than just keeping this season alive. Lying seventh in the Premier League, seven points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, United’s chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League via their league position are all but over.

That means to remain in the competition, and enjoy the financial benefits which come along with that, they must win the trophy outright this season or be absent for the first time in 18 years.

“I think the Champions League is a competition all sides are trying to achieve by reaching it,” Moyes said. “And it’s no different at United.

“It’s a competition that we have been one of the most successful clubs in Europe in, and it’s a competition we want to try to continue in. It’s a difficult task to get it through our league position this year but we will try and do it any way we can.”

One man expected to feature for United is Darren Fletcher, who is keen to exorcise the demons of United’s last visit to Bayern, when they were beaten 2-1 in the first leg of their 2010 quarter-final. Fletcher played all 90 minutes as the visitors threw away a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 and were then beaten 3-2 at Old Trafford and exited the tournament on away goals.

When asked whether that was a missed opportunity, Fletcher said: “Massively. It’s a big disappointment looking back. There was nothing in the game here and we lost to two late goals. There is regret every time you lose in the Champions League but that’s one I look back on and think ‘this is a real lost opportunity.’”

This time, United are thankful for their opportunity, no matter how small it might be considered.