Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League at Old Trafford on Tuesday and suffered a 1-0 loss at home to Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. With this win, Atletico Madrid became the second Spanish team to advance along with rival Real Madrid.
United started and ended the game on a good note, but their finishing was not up to the mark just days after one of their most encouraging performances in the attack. Cristiano Ronaldo also couldn’t meet the fans’ expectations in this match and had only one shot, unlike hat trick in the win over Tottenham. Atletico’s side advanced thanks to defender Renan Lodi and goalkeeper Jan Oblak who saved goals to keep their dreams alive.
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea believes that they could do much better as their efforts were not enough to keep the Red Devils in the competition. Speaking to BT Sport after the end of the game, he said that it was difficult to score against their opponents who were a very defensive team. He added that they were really sad as they are out of one of the most important competitions, the Champions League.
Manchester United crashing out isn’t a surprise
If you are surprised that United is out of the League, you are probably looking from a historical perspective. Atletico has been constantly improving and giving results like this (ask Liverpool and Chelsea). But United is too reliant on Ronaldo and failed to beat Watford, Middlesbrough, and Burnley. Frustration could be clearly seen in the Manchester players, and especially ‘Mr. Champions League Cristiano Ronaldo himself. Atletico is clearly on the better side and it shows in their game.
What’s next for the Red Devils?
It is another trophyless season for Manchester United as they are knocked out of the Carabao Cup by West Ham, FA Cup by Middlesbrough, and now Champions League by Atletico Madrid. The signing of Ronaldo in the team was the last thing fans cheered for and probably the last for a while.
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