Manchester United's Darron Gibson says the sending-off of Rafael was the crucial factor in Bayern Munich's Champions League success at Old Trafford last night. "Rafa getting sent off killed it for us," said the midfielder.

United's Brazilian full-back was given a second yellow card early in the second half after pulling back Bayern's Franck Ribéry. At that stage the score was 3-1, but the with the extra man the German side took the initiative and Arjen Robben's goal was enough to send United out of Europe on away goals.

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"Any team would think they were going through when you are 3-0 up on the night," said Gibson. "The whole stadium and probably the whole world must have thought we were going through. It was through silly mistakes that we allowed them to score.

"Rafael's sending-off was obviously a massive turning point. They had an extra man and we have had to sit back and defend. We were put under a lot of pressure. We've played a lot of games so the lads were getting tired."

The Irish midfielder, who scored the game's opening goal, insists United must not let the bitter disappointment affect their Premier League title fight. "We cannot lie down and let the whole season go," he said. "It is either that or we stand up and fight and go for the championship.

"I cannot describe the disappointment but we have to pick ourselves up for Blackburn Rovers on Sunday. We are still in the race for the title. We have the experience in the dressing room to stand up and fight back. There are lads in there who have been in this position before and done it before."