Man United learnt a valuable lesson vs Bayern Munich but it could be too late

Manchester United lost 3-2 at Old Trafford in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final

22:17, 25 Mar 2026Updated 22:17, 25 Mar 2026

Manchester United Women’s head coach Marc Skinner wrote warmly about the respect the Reds and Bayern Munich have for each other off the pitch as the clubs forever remain intrinsically linked after the 1958 Air Disaster. However, they were guilty of showing too much respect on the pitch as they were caught cold just moments into their Champions League quarter-final tie.

A relatively straightforward ball over the top sent Pernille Harder in on goal and she slipped the ball comfortably beyond Phallon Tullis-Joyce before many in the press box had settled into their seats. The Frauen-Bundesliga leaders were backed by a boisterous 50-100 fans from Bavaria who did not need an excuse to raise the volume but the early goal did just that.

At this stage of the Champions League, it was a tough reality check for the Reds. However, it was a start that showed their naivety at this stage. Bayern settled like a team who had been there, done it and got the t-shirt. United will get their one day.

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The Reds’ supporters responded quicker than their team as they attempted to lift their players who looked overawed after the early goal. Despite a couple of half chances for the hosts, Bayern came closest to a second when Millie Turner overhit a back pass that left Tullis-Joyce scrambling. Fortunately for her, the ball sailed out for a corner. It summed up a bad opening 20 minutes.

And yet, as football often does, United sprung a surprise. Lea Schuller’s first meaningful run into the Bayern box saw her win a penalty for a handball that perhaps would not have been given in the WSL.

It was tonight though and Maya Le Tissier made no mistake from the spot. A confident finish from the captain.

As the game wore on, United settled and Schuller had a couple of chances as the Reds finished the first half stronger. But they were always susceptible to a mistake.

That being said, they started the second half like a side who belonged in this competition. Melvine Malard enjoyed attacking the Stretford End and had her marker Giulia Gwinn struggling.

Her excellent piece of skill by the touchline midway through the half got Old Trafford on their collective feet. If the Reds are to progress, she will be the one who is the difference in Bavaria.

However, the Reds’ achilles heel was exposed again with 20 minutes remaining. Another through ball over the top picked out Harder who finished confidently.

Hanna Lundkvist equalised immediately but Bayern’s quality eventually wore through. Substitute Momoko Tanikawa’s goal with six minutes of normal time remaining ensured of the victory for the visitors and left United empty-handed after a gutsy performance.

This is the Reds’ first campaign in the Champions League and it showed against a well organised Bayern team. United learnt on the job at Old Trafford but still have a mountain to climb to qualify for the semi-finals.