Opinion: United fans remain vocal in defeat

Travelling to Bavaria, during Oktoberfest, with such a short turnaround between the Champions League fixtures being announced and the first match kicking off, our fans were forced to take convoluted routes or pay expensive fares to reach the Allianz Arena and get behind the team.

Yet on Wednesday night, the away section was packed and as vocal as we would expect, as United supporters showed once more why they are a cut above the rest.

Prior to kick-off, Reds fans had to contend with the stadium announcer and all manner of pre-match music, yet they could still be heard clearly in the top tier.

Once the match began, as always, they were very vociferous.

Match action, of course, can influence the decibel levels of crowds, but the truth is that our supporters were never quiet.

When United went 1-0 down, the away section was unaffected and continued chanting as loud as the home support - an impressive feat considering the difference in numbers.

Behind their red, white and black banners, the second half began with a swell of applause - almost like a Mexican wave - as the fans urged the players on.

Rasmus Hojlund duly obliged, steering home his first goal for the club to halve the deficit. This prompted wild celebrations in the away end, with a loud rendition of "U-N-I-T-E-D" ringing round the stadium.

However, the joy was shortlived, as Bayern Munich were awarded a penalty following a VAR decision. Harry Kane scored the spot-kick, but it would have to take more than that to quell the backing of our fans.

We came forward again, and the endeavours of players like Marcus Rashford and Sergio Reguilon were applauded. Further chants of "U-N-I-T-E-D" could be heard throughout the second half, as our fans desperately tried to inspire the players on the pitch.

In the closing stages, Casemiro cut the deficit again, to 3-2, prompting further optimism from the crowd in the away end. But, unfortunately, Bayern were soon two goals clear again as Mathys Tel scored the hosts' fourth.

Casemiro struck again for Erik ten Hag's side, turning home Bruno Fernandes's free-kick with a header, and the never-say die attitude was appreciated by our travelling supporters who stayed to applaud our players as they left the field.

Of course, the 4-3 defeat will hurt both the players and the fans, but the commitment and dedication of the thousands of supporters who made difficult journeys and stayed to show their undying backing for the Reds cannot be understated.

The opinions expressed in this article are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Manchester United.