Harry Kane haunts Manchester United once again in UEFA Champions League
Harry Kane set up the only goal as Bayern Munich wrapped up an unbeaten UEFA Champions League group stage with a routine win that sends Erik ten Hag's Manchester United out of Europe.
Advertisement
Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich Goals: 0-1 Coman 71' (assist: Kane)
Although already through to the last 16 as Group A winners, Bayern were the more purposeful of the two teams in a competitive first half. Noussair Mazraoui was a constant nuisance on the right-hand side, twice getting in behind to force Andre Onana into action in the six-yard box. Kane, who Man United fans know all too well from his time at Tottenham Hotspur, and Joshua Kimmich also tested Onana with shots from distance. However, the best opening fell to ex-Man City forward Leroy Sané, who miscued on the volley with the goal at his mercy. Manuel Neuer was called on at the other end, confidently punching clear from Bruno Fernandes.
With their qualification hopes in the balance, Man United emerged from the restart with greater attacking intent, but could not find a way through Bayern's well-drilled defence. Minjae Kim put in two superb challenges to keep Antony and Alejandro Garnacho at bay, while Fernandes spooned over from distance. Kimmich sent an effort from a similar position over as Bayern played within themselves for much of the second half, preserving energy levels for Sunday's crucial Bundesliga encounter with VfB Stuttgart. When they did turn the screw, Kane showed great awareness to poke a pass into the area for Kingsley Coman to sweep home with aplomb. The England striker almost added the gloss to a fifth win in an unbeaten group campaign, heading narrowly over from a corner.
Watch:Harry Kane - my story
Match stats
Kane has four goals and three assists in this season’s competition.
Bayern are unbeaten in a record 40 Champions League group games, winning their last nine on the road.
Tuchel is enjoying a six-match unbeaten run in meetings with Man Utd (W2, D3).
Thomas Müller made his 147th Champions League appearances - an on-going record for a German player.
Bayern have won six and drawn five of 13 Champions League games against Man Utd, only losing twice.
Ten Hag oversaw 72 matches in charge of the Bayern reserves between July 2013 and June 2015, winning 48 (D10, L14).
Bayern: Neuer (c) - Mazraoui (Laimer 46'), Upamecano, Kim, Davies - Kimmich, Goretzka - Sané (Gurreiro 90'), Musiala (Müller 67'), Coman (Tel 77') - Kane Unused subs: Peretz, Choupo-Moting, Krätzig, Pavlović Out: Buchmann (thigh), De Ligt (knee), Gnabry (hamstring), Sarr (knee), Ulreich (ankle) Coach: Thomas Tuchel
As it happened!
0 - 1
(0 - 0)
Man United
FINAL
Bayern
Champions League Group A, Matchday 6 Group A, Matchday 6 Old Trafford, Manchester
90'
+ 5
Full-time: Man United 0-1 Bayern
Utterly professional from Bayern, who record a fifth win in six group games. They were already through as Group A winners, but controlled the game and deserved the goal when it came through Kane's assist for Coman.
Full-time
90'
Time added on
Five additional minutes. Bayern are do not look like being troubled...
Bayern turn the screw and take the lead. They're just too quick in the final third, with Kane expertly poking a pass through for Coman to finish, unmarked, from inside the United area.
Tuchel told media Musiala wouldn't manage the full 90 minutes. Müller is on for his 147th Champions League appearance -an on-going record for a German player.
Kimmich scored a stunning effort from outside the box in the loss to Frankfurt, but he balloons this one over after neat play on the right involving Kane and Laimer.
Bayern are patiently awaiting an opening. They don't need to take any risks, and will surely get chances as United push for the goal they need to keep their continental campaign alive.
55'
Copenhagen lead
That means Man United and Galatasaray will be heading out of the Champions League, the Red Devils out of Europe altogether.
51'
Kim again
Superb reading of the danger as Kim sweeps in to prevent Garnacho doing more damage in the Bayern area.
48'
Warning shot
Bayern don't pick up Fernandes, who is all alone on the edge of the area to receive Wan-Bissaka's cut-back. He's leaning back, though, and spoons his effort over.
47'
Kim to the rescue
Antony powers into the Bayern area, but Kim times his recovery challenge to perfection. Superb defending.
46'
Changes
Laimer, a midfielder by trade, replaces Mazraoui at right-back for Bayern. Those two have shared duties in the position all season. United also make a switch at full-back, with Wan-Bissaka on for Shaw. Dalot has shifted over to the left.
Into the first of three added minutes, with Bayern on the attack with Davies. He bursts forward and sqaures for Sané, who helps it on to Kane. The Bayern striker takes aim, but Fernandes slides in to divert the ball away.
42'
Permutations
Still goalless in the other Group A game between Copenhagen and Galatasaray. As things stand, the Danes will join Bayern into the knockouts, Gala will go into the Europa League. United will be out.
The Man United defender goes down in possession. Looks like a groin problem. The physios are on...
35'
Bayern threat
Mazaroui gets in behind again, after linking up with Coman. He tries to pull it across, but Onana pounces at the near post.
31'
Another chance!
Bayern break after a United send a free-kick from a promising position into the wall. Coman puts the ball on a plate for Sané in the six-yard box, but it comes off his heel and Maguire is able to get it away. Any other part of his foot, and that would have been a goal.
26'
Big chance!
Sané drives through the heart of the United defence. The shot's on, but he opts to release the ball to his left for Musiala, allowing Dalot to step across and clear.
23'
Neuer called on
Neuer uses all his experience to punch clear a fierce strike from Shaw. Up and away - not back into the danger zone.
17'
No penalty
Musiala goes down under Amrabat's challenge, but the referee is unmoved. United know how dangerous the Bayern youngster can be from the first leg.
14'
Worth a go!
Onana is called on again to stop an awkward, bouncing effort from Kimmich. Strong start by Bayern.
9'
Kane!
Bayern attack up the right again with Coman. He pulls a pass back to Kane, who forces Onana into a sprawling save with a low shot from 18 yards.
8'
Bayern make their move
Bayern move the ball quickly with Musiala and Sané. Coman collects and slips it to Mazraoui in the channel, but his near-post cross is blocked.
4'
Speculative
Lively start as Antony sends a curling effort wide from range.
1'
Under way!
Bayern in their change strip of purple. The hosts are in red shorts with white shorts and socks...
Kick-off!
Group masters
A reminder that Bayern are unbeaten in this season's groups, and are guaranteed to finish top of the section. If they avoid defeat, it'll be some 40 group matches without loss for the six-time European champions.
Tuchel talks up Kane
"I think every fan wishes they had Harry in their team, that's why we are very proud that we managed to sign him. He is a big personality, a big player and a role model. He scores a lot of goals and will be happy to be here and to play [today]."
Kane's had a hand in nine goals in his last 11 competitive meetings with Man United, scoring five. He's also hit four in his last five at Old Trafford, and could become the first Englishman to score for at the ground for a club other than the Red Devils in the Champions League.
More on those teams
Musiala returns to the Bayern XI, with Choupo-Moting dropping to the bench. Mazraoui retains his place at right-back, meanwhile, despite being subbed off for Laimer at half-time in the 5-1 loss to Frankfurt. As for the hosts, defender Varane and striker Højlund are rotated in. Rashford is among the absentees.
Bayern starting line-up
Neuer (c) - Mazraoui, Upamecano, Kim, Davies - Kimmich, Goretzka - Sané, Musiala, Coman - Kane
There was bad news for Bayern attacker Serge Gnabry after the player was subbed on and then almost immediately subbed off with a hamstring issue against Eintracht at the weekend. Coach Tuchel offered the following update “I’m afraid that Serge Gnabry will be out for at least eight weeks. That’s a very long time, of course. He was back in good form in training and then got injured again straight away, which is a shame.”
"High expectations"
In quotes appearing on Bayern's official website, visiting coach Thomas Tuchel insisted his side would have the required passion and desire when they line out at Old Trafford. "When you wear the Bayern Munich jersey, you behave like champions, there's no other way," the tactician said. "We have high expectations [and] expect a top performance from us."
While Bayern have the luxury of having already qualified for the Champions League knockouts with plenty to spare, it's not the same for their English opponents. United are bottom of Group A and must win this fixture while hoping the section's other game between Copenhagen and Galatasaray ends in a draw. Only then can Erik Ten Hag's side advance to the Round of 16.
Last time out
These teams produced a cracker when they began their Champions League challenge in Munich. Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot and also provided an assist as Bayern won 4-3 at the Allianz Arena.
Sure, the reigning Bundesliga champions are already through from Group A as section winners, but many observers will be keen to see how Thomas Tuchel's side respond to last weekend's 5-1 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt. Manchester United would be wise to be extra wary of their wounded visitors.
Welcome along!
You're very welcome to bundesliga.com's coverage of Bayern Munich's trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in Group A.