Fletcher: Lessons Learned

Darren Fletcher is confident Manchester United can still reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and hopes lessons have been learned from the first leg against Bayern Munich.

United enjoyed a dream start in the Allianz Arena when Wayne Rooney scored for last season's runners-up with barely a minute on the clock.

But the Red Devils struggled thereafter and Bayern claimed a deserved 2-1 win through late goals from Franck Ribery and Ivica Olic.

Rooney also picked up an ankle injury moments before Olic's winner and the striker is doubtful for next week's return at Old Trafford.

Fletcher, though, remains upbeat about the prospects of overturning the deficit and feels United now know what to expect from Louis van Gaal's Bayern side.

"It's not insurmountable," Fletcher told the club's official website. "Although we're disappointed to have lost two late goals, 2-1 isn't the worst result in the world.

"We now know what we have to do at home.

"We certainly respected Bayern before this match and we've still got great respect for them.

They're a very good side. You don't play any bad sides in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

"We've learned a lot about Bayern and about ourselves tonight and we'll take all that into the match at Old Trafford next Wednesday.

"The Bayern midfielders pressed the ball quite quickly and got numbers behind the ball. It was difficult in there, but you expect that when you go away from home in Europe.

"We knew Bayern would have a lot of possession and we'll be looking to do the same next week.

We're confident against anyone at Old Trafford.

"We know what to expect from Bayern Munich and we'll be ready for their challenge."