Manchester United 3-2 Atalanta: Three Things We Learned From CL Comeback Win
REUTERS/Phil Noble
Manchester United came from two goals down at half-time to beat Atalanta 3-2 in the Champions League Group F clash.
The Italians did an incredible job to take a two-goal interval lead through Mario Pasalic and Merih Demiral. The latter’s last-ditch tackle just before the break to deny Marcus Rashford from cutting the deficit was as vital as his header at the opposite end.
United came out fighting in the second-half. Rashford made sure to finish the next chance he got to get his side back into the game. Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo did the rest to cap another memorable Champions League night.
1. Mr. Champions League fought back
Nobody seizes moments better than Ronaldo under the lights. After coming under criticism for his work-rate against Leicester City, the Portuguese chose his favourite stage to answer back with yet another winner.
His header in the 81st minute was his third goal in as many Champions League appearances for United since his return.
2. No Clean Sheet
David de Gea, as has been the case this whole season, made multiple important saves to keep United in the game against Atalanta. However, he has no cleansheets to show for his efforts due to lack of support from his defence.
United have now failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 consecutive home games in all competitions. They will continue to get punished on a regular basis if the defensive issues aren’t addressed swiftly, irrespective of the Spaniard’s form.
3. Delaying the Inevitable?
Old Trafford erupted in relief after the full-time whistle, as the hosts avoided a third straight disappointing result under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this campaign.
However, the performance and comeback had an eerie similarity to their win against Newcastle under Jose Mourinho before his eventual sacking.
Ronaldo’s late winner might have papered over the cracks on Wednesday night, but with Liverpool, Tottenham, and Man City in the next few days, Solskjaer will have to do a lot more to avoid his predecessor’s fate.