5 talking points from Manchester United’s Bayern Munich defeat in the Champions League

Manchester United suffered a 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich under Erik ten Hag. during the opening game week of the Champions League season.

After starting the fixture as the dominant side, Manchester United fell first with Leroy Sane scoring in part thanks to a major error from Andrè Onana.

The Champions League tie then started to slip out of Erik ten Hag‘s hands, with Serge Gnabry adding a second soon after, leaving Bayern Munich fully in control of the fixture at halftime.

Read More: Player Ratings – Bayern Munich vs Manchester United (Champions League)

Despite an early goal in the second half from Rasmus Højlund, a VAR review found that Christian Eriksen handballed in the area just moments later, with Harry Kane converting the penalty to grant Bayern Munich their 2-goal lead back.

Casemiro brought one goal back in the dying minutes to help save United’s face, but not much beyond that as Mathys Tel scored to make if 4-2 for the German side. Hilariously, Casemiro scored again right at the end, but the three points when to Bayern.

Here are five things learned from the fixture.

#1 – Pellistri fitting in

It may have come as a surprise for some as Facundo Pellistri was named in the Manchester United starting XI for only the second time in his career, and the first time this season.

With both Jadon Sancho and Antony away from the squad, Pellistri took his chance well as he looked bright on the right wing, working hard against Alphonso Davies.

With the two aforementioned wingers away for what is likely to be a sustained period of time, this performance could be a great catalyst for Pellistri to kick on across all competitions under Ten Hag.

#2 – Oh dear Andrè Onana

After an inspiring pre-match interview, Onana made an undeniably big mistake for Bayern Munich’s first goal, handing them a lead against the run of play. United continue to leak goals this season, and although many have not been at the fault of Andrè Onana, this one certainly was.

Onana has shown in his career that he is not often shaken by errors, and the chances are that he will be able to shrug this one off his shoulders and move ahead to the next game, but that cannot excuse him from what was a sloppy error.

Although he did somewhat make up for it with a brilliant save against Choupo-Moting with 10 minutes to play, it was of moot importance considering the overall result.

#3 – Højlund gets his goal

After having a goal disallowed on his debut, Højlund was able to get the ball into the back of the net and give United hope – albeit only a short moment of hope.

As his first Champions League fixture, Højlund played well, acting as a consistent central presence up front.

Having got his first goal, this will do a lot to both calm himself and the critics who were no doubt waiting for an early goal drought to pounce on. Despite the loss, he was once again a positive.

#4 – United are screaming out for these injuries to cease

A lot has been made of United’s injury crisis at the moment, and with 11 players unavailable, it is becoming more obvious every day just how much it is hurting the squad.

With the squad incredibly light in defence and attack, it is creating a scenario where you almost start to just feel sorry with every game that passes, with United conceding three goals in a game for three games in a row for the first time since 1978.

After three losses on the bounce now, it’s becoming ridiculous

#5 – Varane’s return cannot come fast enough

Continuing from the point above, Raphaël Varane is probably the player who is missed more than anyone else at this moment in time – especially for huge fixtures such as Bayern Munich away in the Champions League.

Varane’s experience and calmness would have been perfect for United on Wednesday night, especially with Lisandro Martínez clearly still readjusting to football after his season-ending injury in April last campaign. Overall, the defence was a mess.

He was spotted in training on Tuesday morning and may return in time for United to face Burnley – but they needed him yesterday.