Champions League: United escape Barthez mistake

Bayern Munich 0 Manchester United 0 H/T

Manchester United were almost made to pay for another faux pas by Fabien Barthez when the French goalkeeper conceded an indirect free-kick inside his area for infringing the six-second rule.

Fortunately United escaped this time and Stefan Effenberg’s attempted shot was charged down.

That incident was just about the only flicker of excitement during a hugely-disappointing first half.

Bayern were now camped in the United half and Hargreaves saw a shot deflected for the first of three corners in quick succession.

From Sagnol’s first corner, Hasan Salihamidzic’s header was saved by Barthez at his near post.

Neville was then caught out of position as Bayern put together the best move of the match so far.

One-time United target Bixente Lizarazu released Paulo Sergio down the left in acres of space and he crossed for Salihamidzic to connect with a header which was saved by Barthez.

The game briefly came to life when referee Anders Frisk controversially awarded Bayern an indirect free-kick two yards inside the United box after Barthez had held the ball for longer than six seconds.

The rule is rarely observed, but Frisk blew after Barthez held on to Roy Keane’s header for at least 10 seconds.

Such positions are always difficult to score from and so it proved as United charged down Stefan Effenberg’s shot after the German had tapped the ball to Salihamidzic.

Fortune then headed wide from United’s best chance of the half from a Beckham free-kick.

Samuel Kuffour headed over from a free-kick before Sagnol blazed well wide and Elber missed the target with a header.