In the final group stage game of the Champions League Bayern Munich returned to winning ways with a fairly comfortable 1-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Courtesy of the victory on Tuesday, Die Roten went unbeaten in this season's group stages of the Champions League.
Whilst Die Roten rarely had to move into top gear, it was a thoroughly professional display to bounce back from the humiliating defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt over the weekend. All Bayern players displayed the necessary focus to contain a desperate Manchester United team, but these three players were stand-out performers at the Theatre of Dreams.
Kingsley Coman
Kingsley Coman didn’t play as if the group had already been decided. He gave Luke Shaw a torrid time down Bayern’s right flank. He was looking to take on his man at every opportunity. The French forward was also efficient when it came to crossing the ball or recycling the possession. In the first half, he created a brilliant chance for Leroy Sane by delivering a pin-point cross. However, the German attacker seemingly misjudged the trajectory of the ball and mishit it with his stronger left foot when it was more in line for a strike with his weaker right.
Coman displayed his improved finishing as he scored the only goal of the game midway through the second half. The French international also did a fine job tracking back and helping out in defense. It was a complete performance from Kingsley Coman as he contributed in the offensive and defensive areas.
Alphonso Davies
After a dismal performance against Frankfurt, Alphonso Davies redeemed himself with a very solid performance against Manchester United on Tuesday. The Canadian left-back looked more like the player that the Bavarian faithful have grown accustomed to over the last few seasons.
Davies served well as an outlet for Kim min-jae on the left side of the defense and kept Antony quiet for the entire game. The Canadian also carried the ball well out of his half to relieve pressure; at times with some clever dribbling. In typical fashion, he also supplemented the attack down the left side. Tuchel and Bayern will hope to see Davies build on this performance in the remaining games of the Hinrunde.
Leon Goretzka
The fight for the third name on this list was a tight one as both of Bayern’s central defenders were in the reckoning for their solid performances at Old Trafford. Considering how ineffective Leon Goretzka was against Frankfurt, it was good to see him stamping the authority in central midfield against Manchester United.
Goretzka may not have been spectacular on Tuesday, but he effectively did the simple things well. At a key moment in the first half, he halted the threat of Antony after the Brazilian winger had gotten the better of Kim Min-jae down the right flank.
The German midfielder played a key role in controlling the tempo of a game that started at a very fast pace. He also picked the right moments to supplement the attack as was evident in his role in the build-up to the goal. It was a strong show of character and solid performance reminiscent of a true number eight from Goretzka.