By Chris,
April 11 2010

Manchester United crashed out of the European Cup on Wednesday evening on the away goals rule. Trailing 3-0 on the night, Bayern Munich staged an impressive comeback at Old Trafford with Rafael's foolish red card proving costly for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

Following the 2-1 defeat in Germany, United were eager to bag the game's opening goal but few inside Old Trafford would have expected the electric start that the Red Devils enjoyed.

United were two up within only seven minutes. The first goal of the game came within 180 seconds as Wayne Rooney - a shock starter following his injury in Germany - laid the ball off for surprise inclusion Darron Gibson who drilled home a trademark long-range effort.

Bayern were rocked and only four minutes later the lead was doubled. Antonio Valencia's cross was met by Nani's sublime flick and - in a flash - the 2009 runners-up had turned the contest on its head.

Bayern were struggling to get a foothold on the game as United looked confident and composed in possession.

Michael Carrick and Rafael squandered chances for the Champions before Nani made it 3-0 with 41 minutes on the clock. Winger Valencia was again the creator - with his cross alluding Bayern's defence. Nani swept home the loose ball and Old Trafford, decked out in green and gold again, was in ecstasy.

The away goals rule, however, meant Bayern would be right back in the game if they found the net. Thousands inside Old Trafford seemed to forget that and were already talking up a trip to France in the semi-finals. Such talk was soon silenced.

Within minutes of Nani's second, Ivica Olic took advantage of some poor United defending to poke the ball beyond Edwin van der Sar from an acute angle. The goal came on the stroke of half-time and left United sweating as the two teams headed down the Old Trafford tunnel.

Bayern started the second period playing with renewed vigour and they were given a huge boost on 50 minutes when Rafael was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence. The Brazilian full-back was booked following a tussle with Franck Ribery and, suddenly, all the pressure was on United.

Sir Alex Ferguson pulled off Rooney - who had been limping for some while - and threw on John O'Shea. However, the Irishman couldn't help United's defence keep Bayern at bay and Arjen Robben's superb strike from a corner put the visitors ahead on the away goal rule.   The Dutchman's strike followed a period of sustained pressure from the Bundesliga giants.

Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov came on from the bench - but United were lacking a creative spark and struggled to create late chances. Bayern looked largely composed at the death and held on for a famous win as United's European dream came to an end for another season.

Following the home defeat to Chelsea, it has been a disastrous few days for the Red Devils.

Full Time - Manchester United 3-2 Bayern Munich
Attendance - 74,482