Victorious in battle, defeated at war.

Manchester United won a thoroughly gripping Champions League second leg but lost a quarter-final to a vastly superior Bayern Munich at Old Trafford. Superior in terms of maturity over 90 minutes, swiftness in rectifying defensive flaws and most critically, desire to seal a semi final berth. Overwhelmed at one point and overrun at times, Bayern still managed to overcome United on a night that captured the entire spectrum of emotion in football. It was a game where not a lot went in United's favour once they were 3-0 ahead. Initial euphoria gave way to eventual heartbreak as it did in the first leg at the Allianz Arena. This is a team that has developed an unfortunate habit of letting leads slip and frittering the advantage. Why? Perhaps because they're a strange hybrid of mediocre and magnificent. And it can alarmingly oscillate between the two at the blink of an eyelid. They took the foot off the pedal within seconds after going up 3-0. They retreated into their shells even after Bayern pegged a goal back, and were steadily worn down as the game went on. It usually takes a moment of brilliance to settle these sort of games. And indeed it came. But from someone in a Bayern shirt.

A lot of the blame needs to be shouldered by Sir Alex Ferguson. After claiming on Tuesday that Rooney had "no chance" of being involved in the second leg, it hinted a real sense of desperation when his name figured on the team sheet. Quite bewildering and to a certain degree, imprudent. After 20 minutes – and most of the damage inflicted on Bayern – Rooney was evidently struggling and couldn't continue. Why then did Ferguson wait until the 55th minute to haul him off? For those 35 minutes or so, Rooney was a spare wheel. And United were effectively playing with 10 men even before Rafael da Silva was given his marching orders. Which leads me to the next bone of contention. Rafael proved a marked improvement on the pedestrian Gary Neville. But he ruined the good impression made until then by foolishly tangling and later unwittingly tugging Franck Ribery right under the referee’s nose. Ferguson babbled on: "Young boy, inexperience, but they got him sent off. They all rushed towards the referee. Typical Germans!". Somebody missing a brain here?? The short supply of football intelligence in a player has to seek out the manager, not the referee. Sometimes, Ferguson does give you the impression he believes the rules don't necessarily apply to him. In my opinion, neither does the knowledge of his opponents. The "Typical Germans" in question here happened to be Franck Ribery and Mark van Bommel, who were French and Dutch the last time their passports were checked. It was a confusing night admittedly, but Ferguson's mindless remarks did him no credit.

Ferguson may not regret fielding the oldest-ever United Champions League side in last week’s away fixture. But he'll be kicking himself for substituting two midfielders with two attacking players when perhaps a more cautious approach ought to have prevailed. There was a changing of the guard, too. Ferguson, often the advocate of experience, became an apostle of youth by opting for Gibson, Rafael, Nani and Valencia. Ferguson was left to reflect on a gamble that looked a winner all the way, but lasted just 40 minutes. Bayern's more decisive 40-minute spell was orchestrated by Robben and Ribery as United’s midfield repeatedly failed to close down their offensive forays. And when Rafael was sent off – correctly despite Ferguson's silly anti-German sentiments – the writing was on the wall.

Positives for United? There were plenty. The wounded Wayne Rooney still covered 5.95 kilometres and incredibly helped fashion two goals. Nani's coming-of-age display featured an audacious flick and a calmly taken side-foot strike; two of many personal accomplishments on a night he can be proud of. Darron Gibson's no-nonsense approach, off-the-ball athleticism, defensive discipline and clear eye for goal only set in stone his claim for a more prominent role next season. Patrice Evra was imperious in snuffing out the threat of Arjen Robben for most parts of the game. Valencia tormented poor Holger Badstuber with his blistering pace and impeccable delivery. And far from his first flourish of youth, Van Der Sar's consistent, decisive and brave brand of goalkeeping kept United in the hunt.

United were fantastic in the first half. Yet the final verdict may be that – barring the superlative double over AC Milan – this was largely an undistinguished campaign on the continent. With no English team in the semi-finals for the first time since 2003, the Cross of St. George has been lowered. For United, one ambition has gone unrealised for another year. The autopsy on an exit on away goals may yet suggest a few top-quality reinforcements are needed. The rearguard is old. Giggs, Scholes and Neville are way over the hill and must give way to young, but proven mettle. Johnny Evans is primed for central defence, which seems sensible. But a reliable understudy for Evra at left-back is long overdue. In midfield, the future looks bleak for Michael Carrick, easily the weakest link in this United side. The best passer of the ball they say. Maybe. But only sideways or back to the goalkeeper. There's no authority, tenacity or cutting-edge about this game. When United most needed him, Carrick mislaid his shooting boots even as back-peddling Bayern opponents presented him with clear shooting opportunities. That apart, his positioning, timing and diligence have always been questionable. The profligate £19 million acquisition from Tottenham Hotspur could have done much better than to vainly challenge Ivica Olic in United’s penalty area for Bayern’s 43rd minute opener. He might have been closer to Robben too when the Dutch international set the streets of Bavaria in a frenzy with a strike of technical mastery.

In hindsight, the nuts and bolts of it suggest that United were beaten by a Bayern side that showed a professional appetite for the game and took chances when they were presented. Qualities which Ferguson's team failed to match. As always, Ferguson and United are left blighting their opponents, berating the officials and nursing the heaviest of regrets. None of it can paper over the cracks any more. United still have a shot at the Premiership. But it will remain an unrealistic target unless they step up to the arena and decipher what it takes to win significant wars and not insignificant battles.