Manchester United 0-1 Atletico Madrid: Five things you might have missed from Old Trafford

The Red Devils crashed out of Europe with a 2-1 aggregate defeat in the last-16.
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Manchester United’s season is under threat of being the worst since David Moyes’s disastrous campaign of 2013/14, after they were eliminated from the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Red Devils were beaten 1-0 by Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford, meaning it was a 2-1 loss over two legs in the last-16.

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It was Renan Lodi who grabbed the only goal of the second leg, when he headed in at the back post for Diego Simeone’s men after United had started the game in the ascendancy.

But that ended after 30 minutes, with Atleti grabbing their goal not long after, and then sitting deep and making it difficult for United to break them down.

The Spanish champions ultimately held the Red Devils out, although they offered little in the way of fluid play and creativity after the break.

It was a night to remember for Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. credit: Getty.It was a night to remember for Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. credit: Getty.
It was a night to remember for Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. credit: Getty.

Following the disappointing night at Old Trafford, we’ve picked out five things which may have passed you by…

Simeone and Suarez in the eye of the storm

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When the full-time whistle blew, Atletico’s manager Simeone sprinted down the touchline and headed straight for the dressing room.

United fans felt the Argentine had been responsible for the visitors’ time-wasting throughout the game, and while almost certainly correct, a minority shamefully resorted to hurling missiles at Simeone as he ran past.

A pie and a cup seemed to be thrown at the Atletico boss, although thankfully nothing hit him.

Simeone wasn’t the only opponent who received a less-than-friendly welcome. So too, did Luis Suarez, with the ex-Liverpool striker on the receiving end of some partisan chants from the home supporters.

Suarez was an unused substitute in the last-16 tie. Credit: Getty.Suarez was an unused substitute in the last-16 tie. Credit: Getty.
Suarez was an unused substitute in the last-16 tie. Credit: Getty.

Animated touchlines

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Simeone’s passionate sprint down the touchline didn’t come as a surprise for those who had witnessed him all night at Old Trafford.

The 51-year-old didn’t sit down all night and was constantly instructing his side from the technical area. It was even amusing to see Simeone every so often check to make sure he was indeed inside the white lines that marked out at the side of the pitch.

Interestingly, Ralf Rangnick was also quite lively on the touchline, certainly more so than usual. He stood for almost all the first half, which is unlike the German, but then sat down for the majority of the final 30 minutes.

Rangnick was also livid with the officials’ decision to not award a free-kick to Anthony Elanga in the build-up to Atletico’s opener, and demanded a VAR check which didn’t come.

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In general, United’s coaching staff were left disappointed with the decisions of the referee and his team, and Darren Fletcher was shown a booking in the latter stages for his persistent complaints. Meanwhile, at full-time, several United players surrounded the officials and were vociferously remonstrating with them.

United were furious with referee Slavko Vincic. Credit: Getty.United were furious with referee Slavko Vincic. Credit: Getty.
United were furious with referee Slavko Vincic. Credit: Getty.

Maguire’s struggles continue

Harry Maguire had another difficult night in front of a frustrated United fanbase, and he had a few awkward moments in the second period, one in particular when he played David De Gea the ball as Atletico forwards pressed down on him.

As United looked to find a way back into the game, they sacrificed defensive-minded players for attackers, and Maguire was taken off with around five minutes of normal time remaining.

To make matters worse for the United skipper, that decision was loudly cheered by the home fans, and a clearly disgruntled Maguire was given a sympathetic pat on the arm from Fletcher.

Half a decade of pain

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That loss for United means it will be another year without a trophy, their fifth in a row since the 2017 League Cup and Europa League triumphs.

For a club of the Red Devils’ stature, a continued lack of silverware will lead to a serious inquest, and will be a continued source of mockery for rival fans.

Ex-Red Devils in attendance

On a night when United crashed out of Europe, four former Champions League-winning stars were spotted at Old Trafford.

Peter Schmeichel and Gary Neville were certainly there on TV duty, with the latter receiving some whistles and jeers from the Atletico fans at the end of the game, presumably due to Neville’s stint managing Valencia.

Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick were also reportedly spotted at the ground, although our reporter didn’t see them from the pressbox.