Bayern Munich 4-3 Manchester United: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• Honestly, even though Bayern Munich won that game, it doesn’t feel like a satisfying performance at all. The team seemed to take Manchester United far too lightly, and if not for a few lapses by Andre Onana and a fortunate penalty, could have easily lost this game.
• Mathys Tel is simply a monster. He may well have saved all three points for Bayern in this game, even though he probably didn’t know it at the time. The kid could’ve had an assist too, as Thomas Muller hit the post from his key pass.
• Jamal Musiala had an excellent return after sitting out for so long due to injury. Great to see him back on the pitch again.

Looking for more analysis on the Bayern Munich vs. Manchester United match? Check out the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame show on Spotify or below:

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Full time: Bayern Munich 4-3 Manchester United.

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90’+5’ — Goal. Casemiro makes it 4-3 somehow.

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90’ + 2’ — GOOOOOOAL! Mathys Tel makes it 4-2!

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88’ — Goal. Casemiro makes it 3-2.

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53’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOAL! VAR gives Bayern a penalty after a handball. Harry Kane steps up to take it, aaaand it’s a goal.

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49’ — Goal. Rasmus Hojlund makes it 2-1.

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45’ — The second half is underway!

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Halftime observations and analysis

• Bayern Munich are the superior team, but it doesn’t show in the playstyle or the tactics. Manchester United are losing because they lack the brilliance of players like Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala, and not because they have been outplayed by a superior opponent. It’s not a great look.
• It’s great that Kane can make an assist out of such meager pickings. Getting him service seems to be a problem Tuchel simply cannot solve yet.
• Konrad Laimer has been having a tough game at RB so far. He could maybe use some relief in the second half.

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45’ — Halftime: Bayern Munich 2-0 Manchester United.

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32’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Gnabry makes it 2-0! Musiala assist!

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28’ — GOOOOOOOOAL! Leroy Sane makes it 1-0! Harry Kane with the assist!

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Kickoff: We’re underway!

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One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Thomas Müller has been benched for Jamal Musiala who has returned to the lineup, otherwise Bayern Munich start with the expected XI. Not much to explain here, except Matthijs de Ligt also continues to be benched for Dayot Upamecano. Konrad Laimer also starts over Noussair Mazraoui for the third game in a row.

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It’s been a long time since these two teams have met, but Bayern Munich and Manchester United have a long history. Instead of trying to recount all of that, we should perhaps focus on the now.

Both Thomas Tuchel and Erik ten Hag are under pressure. While neither coach seems close to getting sacked, a defeat here could be a catalyst for a shakeup somewhere down the line. In the case of Tuchel at least, he has plenty to work with, including the likes of a multiple time Premier League top scorer in Harry Kane. This is the Champions League — at this stage, there can be no excuses.

It’s Bayern time.

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While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our podcast? In the latest episode we discuss the intricacies of the upcoming game, Tuchel’s rumored alienation of Matthijs de Ligt, and so much more. Listen to it below or on Spotify.

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Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Time: 9:30 pm local time, 3:00 pm EST

TV/streaming: Paramount+, Find Your Country

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