History suggests close encounter despite Bayern being favourites

The obvious match that stands out between Manchester United and Bayern Munich is the famous 1999 Champions League final last-minute comeback victory by the Red Devils. However, since then, these European giants have locked horns six times, with the Germans winning on three occasions and losing just once.

That one defeat, the last battle between the two, came at the same stage (quarter-finals, but the second leg), with United coming out 3-2 victors at Old Trafford in 2010, thanks to a Darren Gibson goal and Nani double. Coral offer fantastic odds of 55/1 for that same scoreline, but their 2-1 loss in the first leg meant they still went out of the competition on away goals.

United (28/1 Champions League outsiders) play hosts again to Bayern (favourites at 7/4), but are big outside chances to win the opening fixture of the quarter-final tie at 13/2, while their price to qualify is 5/1. Munich, meanwhile, are odds-on with Coral at 4/9 and 1/8 respectively. A draw in the first leg is priced at 7/2, and a good shout as the two have shared the spoils in four of their nine head-to-heads.

Pep Guardiola’s side are certainly a team in fine form, having won 19 out of their last 20 Bundesliga matches. The Red Devils, however, will take a positive that Bayern’s most recent result was a 3-3 home draw to nine-placed Hoffenheim – despite them resting key players.

Another point that falls in United’s favour is that the away side will travel without former Reds target Thiago Alcantara, who suffered a knee injury in that match.

Following the confidence-boosting 4-1 win over Aston Villa, manager David Moyes spoke optimistically about his side’s chances in the upcoming European game. “It’s been a difficult season for us, but we can go a long way to doing an awful lot better if we can get a result on Tuesday,” he said.

“The players are incredibly focused and I am really looking forward to the game.”

United will of course be without Juan Mata, who scored for the first time for his new club against Villa, as he is cup-tied, plus Robin van Persie due to injury, but possess an in-form and rampant Wayne Rooney.