Manchester United and Bayern Munich fought out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford as the home side failed to capitalise on taking the lead allowing the German's to quickly level. Manchester United's game plan was simple. Defend in depth, flood midfield, and leave Danny Welbeck as the lone attacker against Bayern Munich. That meant United had to be clinical if any chances came their way and Welbeck was at fault just before the break.
Finding himself one-on-one with Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer he was caught in two minds and the German custodian simply stood his ground and clawed away an attempted chip.
Bayern enjoyed the majority of possession but had struggled to carve out clear cut chances although Arjen Robben did flash a couple of shots close as the home side almost paid the price for not closing down the attacking player soon enough.
Then 13 minutes into the second half Old Trafford erupted as Bayern neglected their defensive duties at a Wayne Rooney corner allowing Nemanja Vidic to power home a header.
The visitor's looked rattled for a few moments but within eight minutes were level as Bastian Schweinsteiger swept in substitute Mario Mandzukic's headed knock down.
The Bavarians continued to press but United stood firm although Robben did shoot narrowly wide as the home side continued to put their bodies in the way of shots and block tackles.
The game ended on a controversial note as Schweinsteiger was shown red for a second yellow card after bringing down Rooney. The German international will miss the second leg and was reluctant to leave the pitch making his views known to Rooney quite forcefully.
At least the tie is still alive for the second leg but United will have to be more attacking in Germany knowing Bayern have the vital away goal.
