Manchester United face Bayern Munich in Champs League quarterfinal first leg

London: Manchester United manager David Moyes says that his side must exploit the smallest weaknesses in Bayern Munich’s game if they are to eliminate the Champions League holders in the quarter-finals.

United appeared in three of the four finals between 2008 and 2011, triumphing in the first year, but their fall from grace under Moyes means that they approach Tuesday’s first leg at Old Trafford as underdogs.

While Bayern have grown even stronger under their new coach, Pep Guardiola, sweeping to a successful Bundesliga title defence in record time, United have endured a torrid campaign.

Seventeen points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and 10 points below the top four, their season now hinges entirely on their last-eight encounter with the all-conquering Bavarians.

Moyes’s maiden campaign has been a succession of false dawns and crashing lows, and their recent form provides few assurances.

Although they came back from two goals down to beat Olympiakos 3-0 in the last 16, this month has also seen them humbled 0-3 at home by both Liverpool and Manchester City.

Last season’s top scorer Robin van Persie is currently sidelined after spraining his knee against Olympiakos, but the form of Wayne Rooney, at least, gives United reason for optimism.

Rooney’s creativity will be especially important in the absence of the cup-tied Juan Mata.