Five talking points as Manchester United crash out of Europe

Adam Drury at Old Trafford
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Bruno Fernandes applauds the Manchester United fans after Champions League exit
Bruno Fernandes applauds the Manchester United fans after Champions League exit

Manchester United are out of Europe after losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich in a disappointing game at Old Trafford.

United never seriously threatened the runaway Group A leaders, who took the lead through Kingsley Coman after 70 minutes.

The defeat means Erik ten Hag's side finished bottom of the group, not even qualifying for the Europa League.

Here are the key takeaways.

Chaotic campaign

United's exit from the Champions League was guaranteed in low-key fashion.

But though this defeat sealed their fate, Ten Hag's team must reflect on taking one win from four matches against Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen as the true cause of their demise.

The 2008 European champions have failed to take control of any of their matches.

Individual and structural errors made them too easy to score against in this campaign, while it was the lack of attacking impetus that let them down here.

Toothless in attack

Rasmus Hojlund struggled for Manchester United
Rasmus Hojlund struggled for Manchester United

While they could not be accused of a lack of effort, United never threatened to break down Bayern.

Fleeting moments of excitement were provided by skill from Antony and Alejandro Garnacho but the absence of rehearsed patterns of play was evident.

And their impotence could also be put down to the positioning of Fernandes, who was used in a deeper role in midfield.

While that strategy made some sense, it limited their final-third play even further.

Maguire woe

A first-half injury to Harry Maguire was a cruel blow for a player who has restored pride to his United career in recent weeks.

The centre-back has generally been considered the club's best performer since returning to the team in October and had made a steady start to this game.

But hobbling off with what appeared to be a groin injury puts paid to that run of appearances and leaves Ten Hag with a problem heading to Liverpool on Sunday.

Luke Shaw also picked up a knock and the prospect of Jonny Evans partnering Raphael Varane at the back for the visit of Anfield will not appeal.

One that got away

Harry Kane and Kingsley Coman combined for Bayern Munich's winner
Harry Kane and Kingsley Coman combined for Bayern Munich's winner

Harry Kane's first club match in England since leaving Tottenham for Bayern Munich was a meaningful one.

Not only was the rare sight of the national team captain on these shores noteworthy in itself but it came at the home of the English club he was reportedly closest to joining.

In fairness to United's current players, Kane was kept largely quiet, only providing glimpses of the magic he has produced in Germany so far this season before laying on Coman's winner with a deft touch.

But an anonymous performance from alternative signing Rasmus Hojlund served as a reminder of what the 13-time Premier League champions could have had.

Feeling the heat

This latest setback— three days after the 3-0 thrashing from Bournemouth on Saturday — heaps further pressure on Ten Hag, who has presided over United's worst ever Champions League group stage campaign.

And while the Dutchman most likely has a stay of execution until the reported 25% takeover by INEOS has been completed, it will not have gone unnoticed by Jim Ratcliffe how under-coached United appear.

The ill-functioning midfield is a particular concern, with no solidity, control or creativity on show.

It leaves the club dreading Sunday's trip to Anfield, which will be a true day of reckoning.

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Champions LeagueManchester UnitedBayern Munich