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Manchester United vs Atalanta (3-2) Match Summary: A thrilling comeback!

Team News

Manchester United made three changes as Pogba and Matic were replaced by Fred and [player 455376]  after the weekend’s 4-2 defeat against [team 42]. The other change saw Rashford come in for [player 538034] whose big-money move hasn’t yet clicked.

As for the away side, their set-up was usual with the three at the back. Demiral was at the heart of the defence with [player 129440] and [player 84604] providing the width. Iličić and [player 128853] partnered up front with Pašalić behind them.

First-Half

Once again, [team 14] started the game poorly. [team 708] were winning more second balls and dominating the game while the home side was chasing shadows. Atalanta soon took the lead after a lovely move was finished off by [player 73603].

A few minutes later, the Italian side doubled their lead from a corner when [player 164069] headed the ball goalwards.

Atalanta were by far the better side as United’s midfield was unable to get the ball off them. However, the home side were gradually growing into the game. Due to Atalanta’s expansive way of playing, United were always going to get chances.

With little time for the first half to finish, Man United had two massive chances but failed to convert any of them. [player 205411] missed the target after hitting the ball with his weaker foot before Rashford also missed a great chance.

Second-Half

Atalanta did not start the second half well as United increased the intensity of their press. Suddenly, Atalanta’s ball progression became sloppy and they looked nervous with the crowd at Old Trafford creating a stunning atmosphere.

Eight minutes into the restart, Man United got one back as [player 128899] gave the ball away cheaply in the midfield. [player 129602] played a glorious pass into [player 1878]’s path whose finish was exquisite. Now, the smell of a comeback became stronger. To push his side to get the win, [player 524307] sent on [player 1992] and [player 96088] in place of McTominay and Rashford.

There were waves of United attacks and Atalanta were barely hanging on. Another goal was inevitable and it came at the 75th minute as [player 2884] drilled the ball into the net. This goal showed Atalanta’s lack of composure as Maguire was free at the back post.

Six minutes after the equaliser, Manchester United scored the winner as [player 955] curled the ball into the box for [player 580] to head it into the corner. Wild celebrations at a bumping Old Trafford.

What did Solskjær say post-match?

After the game, the United boss told BT Sport, “The fans are a big part of this club. The singing section there kept the players going with their belief. That is what you do at Manchester United on a Champions League night. This corner of the stadium here are the best in the world. There is a bit of time when you are down as a supporter, but you keep going.

“I thought we played well first half too. Two chances, two goals. It had to stop if we are to survive. We have a habit of doing this at this club. I thought we played well, and they scored a goal out of nothing and then another set-piece. But they never stopped believing and kept going.

“Don’t disrespect the players. They play for Manchester United, and they know they are the luckiest men in the world. Tonight, they are the luckiest men in the world because they get to play for Manchester United. That is what so many millions of boys and girls want to do.

“He had chances in the first half, but Marcus kept on going. He got a knock, but he is going to be very important for us. It was instinctive finish from Harry. I don’t think you would have expected him to score that one. And Cristiano is great in front of goal. If anyone wants to criticise him for effort and work rate just watch this game. Watch how he runs around.

“At half-time, I said make sure we get the next goal, because then we win the game. As long as we don’t concede I was pretty sure we would win the game. It was just about taking chances.”

Author: Devashish Akolekar

With Ole under pressure to deliver results, another fairytale comeback took place at the theatre of dreams.

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