Bayern Munich vs. Manchester United Analysis: Why Red Devils Can Win Quarterfinals Duel

Of all the matchups in the Champions League quarterfinals, none had less suspense than the one between Bayern Munich and Manchester United. On one hand, you have the best team in the world playing at its peak. On the other hand you have a mediocre side that is enduring a nightmare season under a manager that is unlikely to be on the bench this summer. But after 90 minutes, this may be the most interesting tie of all. Barcelona and Atletico are knotted at one apiece as well, but those two sides always prove to be evenly paired. However, this match could still go either way in the second leg.

Manchester United was woeful in maintaining possession. In fact the team had less than 30 of it throughout the game and was constantly chasing the ball down from the German contingent. However, Munich struggled to find any openings mainly because United continually pressured the ball and push Pep Guardiola's side to the outside of the pitch and away from the danger zones. The result was that United looked like a solid defensive club, but also managed to unsettle Munich. United created the best scoring chances when it had the ball and could have easily won this game if a disallowed goal was allowed to stand and if Danny Welbeck had converted a breakaway that most top end players would have scored on.

At the end of the day the game is played on the field, but also in the minds of the players. Munich was jolted after the draw despite remaining collected. However the second yellow card to Bastian Schweinsteiger means that United will not have to face the opposition's best holding midfielder and may also have rattled a few other Munich players heading into the second leg.

But it gets more interesting. One might imagine that with Munich having wrapped up the Bundesliga, this would be the priority and the team would be ready to seize this trophy. But Guardiola's side was far from ready and the result is added pressure at home. Which by the way, has not been kind to them against English sides this year.

Munich won 3-1 at the Ethiad against Manchester City but fell 3-2 at home in the rematch; if City had scored one more goal, then Munich would have finished second in the group. In the round of 16 the team took on Arsenal and won 2-0 in the first leg. However, the return game ended up in a 1-1 scoreline; Munich also lost 2-0 at home against Arsenal last year in their run to the final. This should give United some confidence.

While the team has not been competitive all year long, Manchester United does have the weapons to win this title. Considering that this is the only thing the team has going for it, then maybe it is possible that Moyes will prepare his troops to give it their all in the second leg. And if the Red Devils can beat Munich, then they can beat anyone. Imagine this team competing in the UCL next season despite finishing seventh in the Premier League?