Manchester United’s 16-match unbeaten run away from home in Europe ended in Munich on Tuesday night, but the English media’s main preoccupation the following morning was a late injury to Wayne Rooney. According to pressmen, a nation is holding its breath before discovering whether the striker will recover in time to feature at the World Cup finals. The Italian and Spanish papers focused on Bayern’s resolute display.
International media reaction to Bayern v United:
ENGLAND:
The Sun: “Pray that Roo can make it! England were facing their biggest World Cup nightmare last night. It is news which will send shivers down England boss Fabio Capello's spine. Now we’ll find out whether United really are just a one-man team. Manchester were served up a taste of their own medicine as Bayern won in injury time.”
Daily Mail: “Wayne Rooney injury nightmare: Manchester United and England fans pray striker has not broken his foot...again This was the moment a nation held its breath. So much for living the dream - this ended with a nightmare. But only if these two teams meet in another Champions League final will Bayern ever feel they can avenge the events of Barcelona 11 years ago.”
Times: “England's worst nightmare: the fears are that with only 72 days before the World Cup kicks off in South Africa, England risk being without their talisman. It was a desperate reminder of the metatarsal injuries that brought a premature end to [Rooney’s] involvement in Euro 2004 and hindered his performances at the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany, when England endured an anxious wait to discover if he would make the tournament.”
The Guardian: “The final minute marked the low point of a bleak evening for the Red Devils. United are left to sweat on Rooney's ankle injury.”
ITALY:
Gazzetta dello Sport: “Super Bayern! Rooney on his own wasn’t enough – the Germans recovered and won. Van Gaal’s team yet again showed their stubborn nature, as Fiorentina so painfully found out. Bayern’s huge attacking strength is delivering stunning results.”
Repubblica: “Unbelievable Bayern, Manchester shown no mercy. The Germans demonstrated their will to win with a breathtaking recovery.”
SPAIN:
AS: “Ribéry initiated the turnaround and Olic went one better. Bayern go to Old Trafford in a good position. A double fiasco for Manchester: a defeat and Rooney injured.”
Marca: “Bayern strike in injury time. Manchester with it all to do at Old Trafford. Bayern’s belief: Van Gaal’s men never gave up in the search for a decent result to take to England.”
El Pais: “Bayern resurrect the legends of old.”
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