Manchester United 2-3 Bayern Munich: Sloppy Reds fall behind in 1st leg

Manchester United Women suffered its third defeat in its last five matches, falling 3-2 against Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League Quarterfinal tie. Pernille Harder punished United twice on runs in behind, and despite a compelling effort to fight back, the German giants were able to take the advantage with a late winner ahead of the return leg in Munich next week.

Manager Marc Skinner has been under fire from fans once again due to poor performances. Losses to Chelsea in the FA Cup and then the League Cup Final showcased poor preparation for the big stage, and the same can be said after the loss at Old Trafford on Wednesday. The shape of the team took some time to settle in, with Jess Park pushed to the right wing rather than operating behind the striker as normal. Park wasn’t involved nearly enough, and the lack of cohesion in attack came through despite a pair of goals for the Reds.

The Reds let Pernille Harder in behind after just over a minute of play, and the Danish marksman put Bayern ahead far too easily. She split the defense and ran in behind, calmly putting her shot past Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

United would respond 20 minutes later from the spot through captain Maya Le Tissier. Lea Schuller forced the penalty after her shot was deflected by an arm. Her decision to shoot might not have been the best decision, opting not to square the ball to trailing teammates, and that decision was made again just a few minutes later as Schuller fired wide with open options.

The teams went into halftime level, but Bayern came out looking the better team. Substitute Momoko Tanikawa provided an assist for Harder’s second goal and then buried a chance in space on the edge of the box to put Bayern up 3-2 in the final minutes. A goal from Hanna Lundkvist put United level for about 10 minutes, but the side again failed to build on any sense of momentum.

Skinner faces a big task with the Manchester Derby this weekend before a trip to Munich next week. What felt like a winnable matchup turned into another case of shy tactics that don’t live up to the moment. If he doesn’t manage the next week the right way, he may see three opportunities at silverware and Champions League qualification pass by in the space of just a few weeks.