DERBY Telegraph chief football writer Steve Nicholson looks back at last night's Champions League quarter-final first leg at Old Trafford.
HOW can Manchester United perform as they did against European champions Bayern Munich having crumbled when up against Manchester City and Liverpool in recent Premier League games?
It has been a recurring question following United's battling 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last night.
The answer is clear. They were more disciplined in their shape and play, and this allowed them to defend with greater authority.
In short, manager David Moyes reverted to type.
At Everton, he spent years making life difficult for the likes of United, City and Chelsea when they visited Goodison Park. Everton were often the underdogs on such occasions but had bite.
Moyes proved in those years that he can mould a stubborn side because Everton were noted for being tough to break down. It was not pretty at times, but was pretty effective.
United have been too open at times this season.
There was no way they could be open against Bayern.
Football may have changed but defending, as a back four and a team, should still be considered an art.
The first task for defenders is to defend, and the message appeared to sink in with United's back four. Nemanja Vidic was fierce in his commitment and Rio Ferdinand used his experience to hold his position and snuff out danger.
Phil Jones and Alexander Buttner filled the full-back roles and basically just got on with their job. Would Rafael and Patrice Evra have been as disciplined in their defending?
A defence needs a shield, and United's midfield kept its concentration as Bayern bossed possession.
The German champions enjoyed a 74% share of ball, I believe, completing 738 passes to United's 193, but they managed only three efforts on target. David De Gea was forced to make just one save in the first half.
Bayern remain favourites to progress to the semi- finals but if they did not know they were in a game before last night, they do now.
