When Ferguson's team flew to Germany for the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern Munich, they were firmly on course for the treble. But in just eight days those dreams have been shattered in spectacular fashion as United surrendered the lead in the Premier League after a defeat against title rivals Chelsea and then crashed out of Europe to Bayern Munich on away goals on Wednesday. Despite losing 2-1 in Munich, it seemed United were set to book their place in the semifinals as Darron Gibson's strike and two fine finishes from Nani put the hosts 4-2 ahead on aggregate at Old Trafford.
But Ivica Olic reduced the deficit just before the break and then United defender Rafael da Silva was sent off for two bookings, giving Bayern the impetus to score again through Arjen Robben. That was enough to seal United's fate and Ferguson knows their only chance of adding another trophy to the League Cup is to win their remaining league matches and hope for a slip from Chelsea, who are currently two points ahead.
