The Manchester United vs Bayern Munich Champions League match will take place this Tuesday, April 1 (11:45 AM Pacific, 19:45 GMT) at Old Trafford. With such a lot riding on this game, the defining moment in David Moyes first season is upon us.The previous big moments haven’t exactly made him look good, so there will be fear amongst fans that this could be a bit of an anti-climax. But while the score is 0-0, there’s always a chance.
United have some defensive frailties at the best of times, but with injuries and suspensions exposing their back four further, the task has been made that much harder.
Bayern Munich rested most of their big name players in their last game, which was with the United tie in mind, that plus the fact they have already wrapped up the title. That means their entire focus is on the Champions League now, as is United’s. But one team is bang in form, and one is decidedly patchy at best.
Man Utd Team News
Evra is out through suspension, Evans, Smalling, Ferdinand, Buttner and Rafael are all in doubt, although the first four did train yesterday, albeit for 15 minutes in front of the press. Moyes is giving nothing away. What we do know is that Cleverley, Van Persie and Mata will not be playing. Whatever system Moyes employs will probably surprise us all. He will most likely aim to still be in the tie going over to Germany for the second leg. This could be a sensible approach as playing Bayern at their own game won’t end well.
Bayern Team News
Bayern are missing influential Spanish midfielder Alacantra. The player has been in sparkling form this year and has earned a recall to the Spanish squad. He will be a big miss however the strength in depth that Guardiola now has at his disposal will mean they won’t be overly concerned. The one concern for Bayern fans may be the fact that the Germans seem perhaps slightly over confident, we all know United have failed in almost every big game this season, however they still have players that can hurt you if you don’t pay full attention.
Prediction
It’s a difficult one to call as you just don’t know which United team will turn up. If they all play well, they can match anyone, but so often they just haven’t been at the races this year. Everything comes down to Rooney, United are so reliant on him at the moment. The attacking verve and options that Bayern have will strike fear into the hearts of the frail back four, whichever four that is.
Bayern are overwhelming favorites, and simply because United have performed so poorly against the top teams this year, it’s got to be Bayern to finish it in the first tie.
Prediction: Manchester United 1 – 3 Bayern Munich
TV Info: Fox Sports 1 USA, ITV 1 (UK).
