Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League campaign took a hit on Tuesday with a loss in Spain to Atletico Madrid.
The match got off to a fast start, but not for the Reds.
Atletico were able to build quickly in the opening minute, taking over possession deep and narrowly avoiding a turnover to Carlos Baleba on their way into a counter. The break led to a shot by Barrios, which took a deflection from Ayden Heaven before trickling over the line. Just like that, 1-0.
It was another case of United being
far too easy to play through, but there was a touch of misfortune with the new midfielder missing out on an interception that would have sent United forward quickly the other way.
When play resumed, there was some positive buildup from United. Bryan Mbeumo saw two chances saved by Jan Oblak in the first half, and Marcus Rashford only just missed on a half volley from close range. His connection was lacking, but a cleaner hit would have sent the ball past the onrushing keeper.
Baleba had some more positive play as well. He did well to take the ball through tight spaces, and had a chance to equalize on a corner. He was unmarked at the back post for a free header, but didn’t get the power to trouble Oblak on his effort.
United were lucky to avoid going down 2-0 just before halftime. Cardoso found the back of the net, but the chance was ruled out by a handball in the build-up by Marcos Llorente.
The second half saw United continue to build on some of the positive play, but they still failed to find a clear look at goal. The closest they came to an equalizer was a swerving effort from Bruno Fernandes that clipped the crossbar on its way out of bounds.
The game changed in the 75th minute as Leny Yoro was sent off after a VAR review. He was ruled to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity with a pull, but the contact was frustratingly light from the Frenchman.
Down to 10 men, United still had a fair share of possession in the match against a typically defensive Atletico side, but it wasn’t long before the hosts had a second goal. Ademola Lookman finished the job after an initial save by Senne Lammens, pouncing on a rebound to double the lead in the 79th minute.
The red card might have interrupted a comeback effort by the Reds, but there just wasn’t enough to get the side back into the contest. It was a frustrating day all around with the officiating and the performance. It isn’t the end of the road with six games left in the group phase. United got an important three points on the board against Sabah to remedy the situation, but the lack of wins since then is more than concerning as pressure mounts on Michael Carrick.
United will face Leeds United on the road at the weekend before flying to Italy for a game against Como next week.
