Manchester United’s difficult season took another turn for the worse as they suffered a 2-0 Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid.
United had enjoyed a comfortable return to Europe’s premier competition by beating minnows FK Sabah at Old Trafford. Atletico, however, provided a far sterner examination, and Michael Carrick’s side were ultimately found wanting on a punishing night in the Spanish capital.
Pablo Barrios struck after just 49 seconds before Ademola Lookman added a second shortly after Leny Yoro’s dismissal. United showed flashes of promise, but their lack of ruthlessness in front of goal proved costly.
Bruno Fernandes rattled the crossbar, while Marcus Rashford, Carlos Baleba and Bryan Mbeumo each squandered excellent opportunities. United had chances to change the outcome, but failed to take them.
The result piles further pressure on Carrick, with another challenging away fixture awaiting United this weekend before they face bitter rivals Leeds.
Daily Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT assesses both teams after a dramatic night under the lights in Madrid…
Manchester United’s misery continued in Spain, with the defeat extending their winless run to five matches
Senne Lammens – 6
Often left exposed by the defenders in front of him, Lammens could not be held responsible for either goal. He produced a couple of important saves, but United’s goalkeeper was arguably the least of their concerns during another chastening evening.
Diogo Dalot – 3
Dalot was caught completely unaware by Alex Baena’s movement in the opening seconds, with the run eventually leading to Atletico’s first goal. He then lost Julian Alvarez, who struck the post, before switching off again as Lookman slipped in behind him to score from the rebound. It was an alarmingly casual display from such an experienced player.
Leny Yoro – 4
Yoro had been United’s most impressive defender until he was shown a straight red card for placing an arm across Jonathan David. The decision appeared harsh at first sight and the VAR review did little to change that impression. It was a bitter conclusion to a performance that nevertheless highlighted why centre back, rather than right back, remains his long-term position.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Martinez should have been credited with an assist after threading a superb pass through to Rashford in the first half. His team-mate opted to strike with his laces instead of guiding the ball with the side of his foot. Martinez endured a few nervy moments, but still performed better than he had against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
Lisandro Martinez was involved in a demanding battle with Marcos Llorente throughout the contest
Ayden Heaven – 5
Asked to operate at left back in an unfamiliar role, the youngster faced a major challenge but held his own in one of Europe’s most intimidating settings. He looked overwhelmed during the opening exchanges before gradually finding his feet. As United settled, Heaven displayed greater composure than some of his more experienced colleagues and deserves credit for staying in the contest.
Carlos Baleba – 7
United’s standout performer was making his first start since completing his £70million move from Brighton this summer. Baleba delivered important interceptions and defensive recoveries while bringing much-needed strength and intensity to a midfield that has lacked both this season. He ended up on the losing side, but there was plenty of encouragement in his hour on the pitch.
Andrey Santos – 5
A rare start but he put himself about and United weren’t atrocious in spells when Santos and Baleba found a groove out of possession. Still going to need to show much more to come close to justifying his £50m price tag in the longer term.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Almost scored when his clipped effort on the counter-attack went agonisingly wide of the post and later hit the bar following a well-worked corner routine with Amad. Showed flashes but also showed some questionable body language that suggests things are just not quite right right now for the Premier League Player of the Year. Looks to be in a funk.
Bruno Fernandes is cutting a frustrating figure right now, making it appear that all is not right
Youri Tielemans – 7
United’s most creative player on the night. Pushed into a No 10 role role for this one in the absence of Kobbie Mainoo and Tielemans looked much more comfortable than he has in some recent games. Pressed with purpose and picked up some clever pockets of space, leading to some of United’s better chances. Should only be used as an option further forward from here.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Had the pace to hurt Atletico Madrid but he wasn’t given the opportunity to show it in an attacking sense enough in the first half. What was the biggest mark against Rashford was his lack of effort tracking back, an issue that goes back a lot longer than his recent return. Wayne Rooney’s punditry on one incident of such at half-time was damning.
Bryan Mbeumo – 6
Promising but as an attacker you’re judged on goals and the Cameroonian was wasteful when chances at this level are at a premium. He had to score after a clever nut-meg on Cristian Romero, only for his effort inside the area to be blocked by Marcos Llorente. Drew another fine save after a one-two with Tielemans. Will have learned that the Champions League is unforgiving when you can’t finish.
Bryan Mbeumo was a livewire but he learned the hard way that chances at this level are limited
SUBS
Mason Mount (for Carlos Baleba, 66) – 6
Joshua Zirkzee (for Youri Tielemans, 66) – 6
Amad (for Marcus Rashford, 66) – 7
Harry Maguire (for Ayden Heaven, 80) – 7
Matheus Cunha (for Bruno Fernandes, 80) – 6
MANAGER: Michael Carrick – 5
When you can’t catch a break, you can’t catch a break and that’s no doubt how Carrick felt on Tuesday night. Defeat here means it’s still only two wins all season and yet there were plenty of signs in Madrid, with the five or six chances created, that things are improving. But he’s in the eye of the storm now and needs results. Fast.
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2)
Oblak 7; Llorente 5, Romero 5, Hancko 6, Grimaldo 6; G Simeone 5 (Le Normand 88), Cardoso 7, Barrios 8 (Pubill 61, 6), Baena 7 (Hjulmand 71, 6); Lee 6 (David 60, 7), Alvarez 7 (Lookman 71, 8)
Goals: Barrios (1), Lookman (79)
Booked: D Simeone, Le Normand
Manager: Diego Simeone 7
