The Red Devils continue their 8 game unbeaten run in the Premier League with a draw at Watford. Earlier in the week, the team drew the first leg in the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League against Atletico Madrid.
Round of 16- First Leg
United went to Madrid, Spain on Wednesday evening where they clashed against the Spanish Capital’s second team, Atletico Madrid. The game was played at the magnificent Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. The fans were loud and proud as they faced some familiar faces like David De Gea, who used to play for Madrid almost two decades ago and Cristiano Ronaldo who was a villain during his time with crosstown rival club, Real Madrid.
It only took 7 minutes for Atleti’s #7 Joao Felix to open the scoring. A beautiful cross from Left Wing Back, Renan Lodi, was met by a soaring header from the young Portuguese star. It was Atleti’s night it appeared, as they were solid in defense for the majority of the game. United’s attack again lacked true identity as Ronaldo was frustrated throughout the Champions League night.
Ronaldo has faced Atletico Madrid many times in his career and has always been up to the occasion to score against the rival club, especially in the Champions League. The global icon was boo’d most of the night and every time he touched the ball. But, even though United held most of the possession, the Red Devils could not create much to give Atleti Madrid any real problems.
“We did it after 60 minutes, with every substitution that came on our game was raised, our level of performance, and in the last 15 or 20 minutes we played exactly how I expected us to play from the start.”
HC Rangnick said
It was the 19-year old Anthony Elanga, who came up big again for the Red Devils in the 80th minute when the Swedish talent scored on his first touch of the game from the assist from Bruno Fernandes.
All in all, Manchester United are very fortunate that they did not lose on Wednesday Night and picked up a draw. This means there is all to play for at Old Trafford on March 15th for the second leg. Reminder, the away goal rule has been scrapped so it truly is an even contest going into the second leg.
Although United looked lethargic, soft and predictable, they still managed to only allow one costly defensive mistake and got level at the end of the game. Even though United can’t quite fully get to their winning ways, they are not losing and that is what coach Rangnick will be thankful for.
No Win at Watford
At the weekend, United picked up yet another draw, this time to Watford in a 0-0 match.
More missed opportunities for points on the table and even more missed chances that led to no goals in a game United would have really liked to have.
“In the first half we had four clear opportunities that normally are enough to score at least one or two goals, and in the second half it was similar.” – said Rangnick
It appears that this season is really wearing on Ronaldo as he is really the only Centre Forward in this thin United team. Edinson Cavani has been nowhere to be found all February and with his ghostly behavior it has caused United to be predictable in the offense.
The lack of a striker partnership has allowed Jadon Sancho to play better, but with a lack of goals from the forwards, United keep dropping points.
March Madness
If February was the month to catch up, March will be the month to “put up or shut up” for this United team. They are still looking to chase the top 4 and the slate of games for this month is daunting.
The Manchester Derby is on Sunday, March 6th where United will be at the Ethiad to face the blue side of Manchester. Following is Tottenham at home, the second leg of the UCL at home and then the biggest of them all perhaps, Liverpool away on the 20th.
A tough slate of matches that will tell a lot about this team and it’s players. Up the Red Devils, come on United!
The Beat @APU 