Atletico Madrid 1-1 Manchester United: Player ratings & man of the match as Elanga nets again

United weren’t at their best in Spain but head back to Old Trafford with a a valuable draw at the Wanda Metrpolitano
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Manchester United earned a valuable 1-1 draw away from home in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid.

The Red Devils were second best for most of the game and struggled to create regular attacks over the 90 minutes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But the hosts were well organised and carried the greater threat in the Spanish capital, and managed to take the lead early in the first half thanks to an excellent Joao Felix header.

However, despite their issues, United kept themselves in the game and Ralf Rangnick’s triple substitution after 66 minutes gave the Red Devils more of an impetus.

One of those brought on, Anthony Elanga, provided the breakthrough moment with 10 minutes remaining and means United head back to England with a result they should be delighted with.

Felix headed Atletico into the lead after just seven minutes. Credit: Getty.Felix headed Atletico into the lead after just seven minutes. Credit: Getty.
Felix headed Atletico into the lead after just seven minutes. Credit: Getty.

Manchester United player ratings

David De Gea- 6

Facing his former side for the first time, the goalkeeper didn’t have a huge amount to deal with and could do nothing to stop Felix’s header. Atletico did hit the crossbar twice, although again, De Gea could not have got near either shot.

Victor Lindelof- 5 (off 66)

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Produced a great early block from Jose Maria Gimenez’s shot, but struggled to offer offensive support from an unorthodox right-back role. Lindelof was replaced in the second half after picking up a booking and he looked less comfortable defensively after the break.

Raphael Varane- 6

United’s best defender on the night, and the former Real Madrid man improved as the game continued. He intercepted some important Atletico crosses and was a calming presence in the midst of the Atletico attacks.

Varane returned to Madrid where he played for Atletico’s rivals. Credit: Getty.Varane returned to Madrid where he played for Atletico’s rivals. Credit: Getty.
Varane returned to Madrid where he played for Atletico’s rivals. Credit: Getty.

Harry Maguire- 5

Didn’t cover himself in glory for Atletico’s opener when he couldn’t stop Felix getting a head to Renan Lodi’s cross, and had one of those nights where he looked awkward in possession. Like Varane, the skipper offered got more comfortable as the game went on

Luke Shaw- 5 (off 66)

Found it difficult to deal with Atletico’s pace and pressing, and didn’t offer a huge amount offensively. Alex Telles replaced him in the latter stages to bring more creativity.

Fred- 6

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Saw a lot of the ball in the first half and had a difficult task up against Atletico’s midfield with Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes pushing up. His higher position after Nemanja Matic came on was a big factor in United’s strong end to the game.

Paul Pogba- 5 (off 66)

Had some moments of quality and a few slaloming runs, but in general it was a difficult night for the Frenchman who failed to create any real chances of note. For the second game in a row he was withdrawn midway through the second half.

Paul Pogba found it difficult up against Geoffrey Kondogbia. Credit: Getty.Paul Pogba found it difficult up against Geoffrey Kondogbia. Credit: Getty.
Paul Pogba found it difficult up against Geoffrey Kondogbia. Credit: Getty.

Bruno Fernandes- 5

Misplaced so many passes throughout the night and didn’t deal well with the opposition's pressing, however, he did provide United’s most important pass of the night when he slipped the ball in for Elanga’s goal. After a poor opening half, the No.18 was better in the second period.

Marcus Rashford- 3 (off 75)

Really poor again from the out-of-form attacker. Rashford took too many touches and rarely looked threatening in possession. The 24-year-old had one dribble where he beat his man, but it a solitary moment of any real quality.

Cristiano Ronaldo- 4

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Spent much of the night moaning at team-mates and the referee, and Ronaldo’s lack of movement contributed to United difficulties in creating chances. He had two shots from distance, none of which threatened Jan Oblak.

Jadon Sancho- 6 (off 82)

Not at the same level as recent performances, but Sancho was the most lively of the front three that started. The England international fired in a fierce volley that was blocked in the 64th minute.

Elanga scored from one of United’s few chances on the night. Credit: GettyElanga scored from one of United’s few chances on the night. Credit: Getty
Elanga scored from one of United’s few chances on the night. Credit: Getty

Aaron Wan-Bisska- 5 (on 66)

Didn’t have a huge amount of time to adapt to the game, but was solid defensively and offered more on the front foot than Lindelof.

Alex Telles- 6 (on 66)

Similar to Wan-Bissaka, Telles helped link the play more effectively in the last 20 minutes.

Nemanja Matic- 7 (on 66)

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Was superb when he came on and he managed to snuff out Atletico attacks and fed the ball quickly to Fernandes and Fred. Matic’s positioning was excellent and he helped United retain possession better.

Anthony Elanaga- 7 (on 75)

Scored for the second game in a row after coming off the bench, and Elanga’s energy was infectious from the moment he was introduced. His goal could prove to be a huge moment in the tie, and it was a smart finish to the side of Oblak.

Jesse Lingard (on 82)

Atletico Madrid player ratings

Oblak 6; Vrsaljko 6, Savic 7, Gimenez 7, Reinildo 6, Lodi 7 (Lemar 75;6); Llorente 6, Knodogbia 7, Herrera 7; Correa 7, Felix 8 (Griezmann 75;6).

Man of the match

Atletico were noticeably weaker after Felix came off. As well as coming up with the team’s only goal of the night with a superb header, he dropped deep and helped the team defensively. Felix’s link-up play was superb and he showed his undoubted talent with some nice flicks and skills.