Manchester United won their second Champions League group stage match of the 2021-2022 season thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 81st-minute goal. Manchester United had the majority of ball possession, but Atalanta created more chances and led by two goals in the first half. Manchester United climbed to the top of Group F’s point’s standings with six points after three games. Atalanta are now in the second position with four points ahead of Villarreal (4) and Young Boys (3). The match report of Man Utd vs. Atalanta is discussed in this article.
Match Report: Man Utd vs. Atalanta
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his third Champions League goal of the season, helping Manchester United to a resounding victory against Atalanta that sent them to the top of the group.
After a shock loss to Leicester City earlier this week, they were under pressure heading into the game. So, this victory will instill confidence in Manchester United’s players ahead of some important matches.
Manchester United’s defense failed to cope with Atalanta’s constant counter-attack in the first half. In the opening 45 minutes, Mario Pasalic, Luis Muriel, and Josip Ilicic all caused problems for the United defense. Mario Pasalic scored in the 15th minute, so the visitors didn’t have to wait long for their first goal. Pasalic put the ball into the back of the net after receiving a low cross from Davide Zappacosta.
Merih Demiral surprised the Old Trafford crowd with a spectacular header from a Teun Koopmeiners corner kick after only 14 minutes of the first goal. Manchester United fans were in a state of utter shock. They were upset even more after Fred and Marcus Rashford both missed two chances before halftime.
Coach Ole Gunner Solskjr had to craft a more effective approach in order to win the game in the second half. Thankfully, Manchester United’s players had responded well and regrouped to win the game.
Manchester United scored their first goal in the second half after only 8 minutes. Marcus Rashford found a brilliant through pass from Bruno Fernandes. He guided it to the far corner of the net to give Man Utd the first goal of the match in the 53rd minute.
Harry Maguire tore up the lead in the 75th minute. Maguire found himself alone in the penalty box and simply slotted the ball into the net after the Atalanta defenders failed to stop Fernandes’ cross.
The Manchester United players then poised for the game-winning goal, with Cristiano Ronaldo rising to the occasion once more. Ronaldo received a fantastic cross from left-back Luke Shaw, and he jumped up to head the ball into the net. Cristiano Ronaldo displayed yet another outstanding performance at the crucial moment of the game.
The goalkeeper of Manchester United, David De Gea had a busy time with the gloves. He produced some excellent saves to keep his team in the game.
Manchester United had 56 percent ball possession, while Atalanta had 44 percent, according to the match statistics. The home team completed 554 passes to the visiting team’s 434. Manchester United earned three yellow cards for making fouls. On the other hand, Villarreal earned four yellow cards.
Atalanta will face Manchester United in their fourth Group F match on Wednesday (November 3). Villarreal will play Young Boys at El Madrigal on the same day.
Source: United News of Bangladesh