Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich: Reaction from David Moyes, Pep Guardiola

In a match dominated by Bayern Munich, Manchester United salvaged a 1-1 draw in their Champions League quarter-final tie against the defending champions at Old Trafford on Tuesday.   

An electric atmosphere filled the Theatre of Dreams, but the home fans saw their side outplayed from the offset as the seemingly invincible Bayern squad looked like piling more misery on United and David Moyes.

As OptaJoe revealed on Twitter, the Bundesliga champions were completely dominant in terms of possession in the opening 45 minutes, but they had no goals to show for their superiority:

After the break, though, Moyes’ men took a shock lead through the most unlikely of sources, as Nemanja Vidic headed Wayne Rooney’s corner home.

It looked like the scalp of all scalps at Old Trafford, and fans could barely contain themselves, including former player Gary Neville on Twitter:

But just eight minutes later, Goliath finally had his say as the score drew level. Substitute Mario Mandzukic headed into the path of Bastian Schweinsteiger, who made no mistake from 12 yards with a well-taken left-foot strike.

United fans have endured wave after wave of disappointment at Old Trafford this season, but on Tuesday night they could hold their heads high.

As could Moyes, who proudly spoke to ITV following the match, as reported by BBC Sport:

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The players played really well so we're delighted but just a bit disappointed that we conceded in the end. There was a real determination to make sure we did well, the players realised we were playing a really good side tonight. We know we've got to score a goal in the second leg. We have to do something about it. But we know we've given ourselves a great opportunity.

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Moyes and Co. will head to the Allianz Arena needing to carve out a result after conceding an away goal, but they’ll be full of encouragement after a solid performance against Europe’s best.

The Germans’ record against English clubs in this season’s Champions League will also give the Premier League champions a lift.

Jon Super

According to SoccerWay, Bayern have won every European home game this season except for two—a 3-2 loss against Manchester City in the group stage, and a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the previous round.

While achieving something away in Munich is far from beyond United’s capabilities, Bayern manager Pep Guardiola is confident that his side can finish the job in front of their own fans.

Following the match, the former Barcelona manager said, per BBC Sport:

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I am quite satisfied. Manchester United has one of the best teams in the world. We scored an away goal which is important, but we also got lucky that efforts from Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney did not go in. The goal we conceded was difficult to defend.

It is always dangerous when you go into the second leg with a 1-1 draw, but even a 2-1 victory would have been dangerous. We will try to win the second leg and I am sure we can do it. I have full confidence in my players and hope the fans in Munich will push us like the United supporters did for their team today."

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Bayern will have to see off United in the second leg without the services of goalscorer Schweinsteiger, who was sent off late, and Javi Martinez, who also faces suspension—once again giving the Red Devils a boost.

There’s no doubting that Bayern are the best team in the world right now, and the football they played at Old Trafford was mesmerising at times.

It would be the achievement of Moyes’ career if he could orchestrate United’s progression to the Champions League semi-finals. And who knows? Maybe it will warrant another appearance from the mystery pilot with a message of apology.