Cristiano Ronaldo scored the late winner as Manchester United came back from two goals down to beat Atalanta 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League at Old Trafford.
Manchester United made a bright start to the proceedings but Atalanta posed a threat each time they went forward and broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Mario Pasalic found the back of the net with a simple tap-in from point-blank range. 13 minutes later, the visitors doubled their advantage, with Merih Demiral heading home a corner to stun the Old Trafford crowd.
Following an abject spell, Manchester United seemed to be sparked into life after going two down and created a few chances, but Fred and Marcus Rashford failed to make them count as they went into half-time with a two-goal deficit. But, after the break, the Red Devils came back with a renewed spirit and energy and were all over the Serie A outfit as they pushed for a way back into the game.
Seven minutes into the second period, Rashford made up for his miss by finishing past Juan Musso to make it 1-2. Scott McTominay came close to equalising, with his effort striking the bar before captain Harry Maguire levelled things up in the 75th minute with a fine finish. With nine minutes left on the clock, Cristiano Ronaldo completed the turnaround powering home a header from Luke Shaw’s cross to send Old Trafford into a frenzy.
The result typified Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s entire tenure at Manchester United, with the team once again rising to the occasion when their backs were against the wall. The thrilling 3-2 victory means that the Red Devils are now at the top of Group F. And here are our player ratings for the Manchester United stars.
Manchester United Player Ratings
David de Gea: 7/10
Let's not forget David De Gea, this double save was so important ? pic.twitter.com/5ADlULxwQB
— Dhruvzz (@Dhruvzzz8) October 20, 2021
Not a lot he could have done about either goal Atalanta scored as he was once again let down by the defence in front of him. Produced a brilliant double save with the scoreline at 1-2 to keep Manchester United in the game, which was crucial to the comeback victory.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 6/10
A dour first-half display during which he did not offer much going forward nor was he convincing defensively. Stepped it up after the break though and made several driving runs forward while showing great energy and purpose. Still needs work on his end product, however.
Victor Lindelof: 5/10
Retained in the side in the absence of Raphael Varane, Wednesday’s game provided further evidence that the Swede can be an unreliable option at the back. Struggled to deal with Luis Muriel and his positioning was suspect on a number of occasions, including for the opener. Was turned too easily by Duvan Zapata for a chance in the second half.
Harry Maguire: 6/10
Did not fare all that better than his defensive partner on the night. Not secure enough at the back and could have done better to prevent the second goal. But made up for it with a brilliant finish that drew Manchester United level in the second half.
Special night at Old Trafford ❤️ #mufc pic.twitter.com/tO0ZKuJbsK
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) October 20, 2021
Luke Shaw: 6/10
Caught out of position for the opening goal and then was beaten easily by Demiral for the second. Improved after the break at both ends of the pitch and produced a stunning cross for Ronaldo to score the match-winner.
Scott McTominay: 5/10
Reinstated to the starting XI at the expense of Paul Pogba, the Scotsman did not have the best of nights. Was unable to stop Pasalic from scoring the opener and generally looked like he was easily overrun in the middle. Came close to scoring, when he hit the bar in the second half before being taken off.
Fred: 6/10
Back into the side after missing the weekend encounter, Fred brought his usual energy and vigour to the field, but his passing wasn’t always accurate. Forced a save in the first period and then squandered a great chance to score right before half-time. Continued to work his socks off till being taken off late in the game.
Mason Greenwood: 5/10
Began well, pressing from the front and trying to make things happen, but faded with time and was not able to have a notable impact on the proceedings. Taken off with twenty minutes left on the clock.
Bruno Fernandes: 6.5/10
Bruno Fernandes has created more chances tonight [9] than any other player has created in the entirety of this season’s #UCL.
Insane playmaker. ? pic.twitter.com/o7OL5Pxmb7
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 20, 2021
Well below his best, but still finished the game with two assists and most chances created, which shows his quality. Endured a difficult first period when his passing was off the radar and work rate was not up to the usual level. Improved after the break and set Rashford up for the first goal with a nice pass before assisting Maguire’s goal as well.
Marcus Rashford: 6.5/10
Starting his first game of the season, the England international looked dangerous each time he ran at the defence with pace, but was let down by the end product as he squandered a couple of great chances to score in the first period. Redeemed himself with a good finish to score the first goal for United in the second period and was taken off not long after.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 7/10
The Player to Watch in our match preview, Ronaldo showed some nice touches in the first period but lacked the service to pose a goal threat. Had a great chance to score early in the second period, but failed to take it. However, clinched the victory for Manchester United with a towering header late in the contest. His work rate on the night was also very impressive.
He's done it again…
Cristiano Ronaldo pops up with the winner as Man Utd complete a brilliant #UCL comeback!
And you can see how much it means to him ? pic.twitter.com/5YXov6E3or
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 20, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Paul Pogba: 6/10
On for McTominay for the final 25 minutes or so. Livened things up in attack and heaped pressure on Atalanta, playing a role in the late comeback.
Edinson Cavani: 6/10
Replaced Rashford in the 66th minute. Worked hard, pressed well and played his part in keeping the pressure on the visitors.
Jadon Sancho: 6/10
Sent on in place of Greenwood in the 73rd minute. Looked good in his short cameo.
Nemanja Matic: N/A
Late substitute for Fred.
