Manchester United and Bayern Munich’s participation in the Audi Cup was concluded earlier this evening, but the winner did not emerge until the game’s death as no difference-maker could break the stalemate that dogged the initial 90 minutes. The German powerhouse required nerves of steel to fend off the United threat and eventually triumphed after a protracted penalty shoot-out saga.
A bout of surprising swordmanship ensued from the off where each team not only eyed the other up but began striking in fierce play that belied the friendly status of the tie. Perhaps the manner in which Manchester United fought back in an epic Champions League final in 1999 was still fresh in Die Bayern’s minds, and the Red Devils too wanted to repeat their psychological advantage.