Manchester United were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening after losing 3-2 to RB Leipzig at the RB Arena. Angeliño opened the scoring in the second minute with Amadou Haidara doubling the lead in the 13th minute of the match. A third goal was scored in the first half, but VAR ruled it out for offside. United did conceded the third goal of the match in the 69th minute through Justin Kluivert but a penalty scored by Bruno Fernandes then a header from Harry Maguire got United back into the match seeking a third goal to stay in the Champions League. But the Europa League it is this season now.
It was another poor start for United this season as the hosts opened up the scoring in the second minute of the match with Manchester City loanee Angeliño firing Leipzig 1-0 on the first attack of the match. It was a dire position for United to put themselves into this early in the match. Their chances of continuing in the competition became slimmer. United were not able to recover from the hosts quick passing which threatened United all over the pitch. In the 13th minute of the match, Amadou Haidara doubled the German side’s lead, putting United on the brink in the competition this season.
Leipzig scored a third goal in the first half but VAR ruled that it was offside. That was lucky for United, who were well out of the match by that point. The first half ended with United 2-0 down and needing a big second half to remain in the competition. United had fallen from top spot to third-placed in the group at this stage of the match. At the start of the second half, Solskjaer made his first substitution with Donny van de Beek replacing Alex Telles, who was not at his best during the first half of the match, or in the past two matches – losing possession 15 times. United started to attack their hosts and break forward, and not gaining much.
Solskjaer made a double substitution in the 61st minute of the match with Brandon Williams and Paul Pogba replacing Luke Shaw and Nemanja Matic. United needed to get themselves back into the match, posing a threat against their hosts, which had not been the case for the majority of the match. A draw here will see United into Monday’s draw for the round of 16 stage of the competition, otherwise they will be in the draw for the round of 32 in the Europa League. Fernandes almost scored, hitting the post, which was a shame.
Justin Kluivert scored Leipzig’s third goal of the match minutes after coming on, seemingly ending United’s hopes of reaching the round of 16 stage this season. United’s defence was worse than inept on the attack and both Maguire and David De Gea did not seem capable of stopping that goal from hitting the back of the net. This was a massive shambles for United and will cost them massively. Mason Greenwood won a penalty for United with just over ten minutes left. Fernandes took the penalty and scored a consolation for United, who needed two more goals to level the scoreline, to save face in the Champions League this season.
United scored against two minutes later with Fernandes sending the ball into the box and both Pogba and Maguire rising to collect the ball just in front of the goal. The ball was sent towards goal with the Leipzig keeper handling the ball into the back of the net. Pogba was originally given the goal, which was seemingly scored by Maguire, and later given to him. United just needed one more goal to level the score and remain in the competition this season. Despite a number of chances, United were not able to score a third goal and exit the Champions League, falling into the Europa League once again, which is not all that thrilling in all honesty.
Manchester United
1 David De Gea
Had no chance saving the first goal but should have got something on the second. As for the third, a player of his experience should have made the effort. Not impressed with his form of late. Henderson is waiting in the wings for his chance - perhaps he should start on Saturday?
2 Victor Lindelof
Played well in the first half at times and did not make an error. It was a shame that United conceded twice in the half though. I'd like to see United play one game and keep a clean sheet, which could provide some confidence. Was replaced by Tuanzebe in the 78th minute.
5 Harry Maguire
Played some good defensive football at times and got forward for a lot of the match. His hesitation cost United for Kluivert goal. Scored United's second of the match, which was not enough to progress.
23 Luke Shaw
Played better as a left-back than the third central defender. Was booked, somewhat harshly, in my opinion. Was replaced by Williams in the 61st minute.
29 Aaron Wan-Bissaka
After this performance, you can see why United are rumoured to be interested in signing another right-back. AWOL for the opening goal, not good enough for the second and could have gifted the German club a third goal with a poor back heel. Replaced by Fosu-Mensah in the 77th minute.
31 Nemanja Matic
Played a deep role which allowed McTominay to play further forward. Much of the match passed him by though, which is not a good point to make. United need to concentrate on their defence in January, focusing on a defensive midfielder and a central defender. But they probably won't apply that kind of logic.
39 Scott McTominay
Took a while to warm to the match. Was one of the players determined ot try and get United out of the swamp they have placed themselves into. He can say he did his best, which is not something many others can say.
27 Alex Telles
Poor from the Brazilian. Lost possession 15 times in the first half. Did not seem to be capable of doing much. He was replaced by Van de Beek at half time.
18 Bruno Fernandes
Booked in the fifth minute. Scored from the penalty spot once again. Had a shot saved and his the crossbar. This will be a bitter pill to swallow. United will now have to recharge their batteries and get ready for Thursday night football once again.
11 Mason Greenwood
One of the bright sparks of the match. Should have scored himself. Showed a lot of ability and tried to get United into a good position. Won the penalty which got them started and close to staying in the competition.
10 Marcus Rashford
Started the match quietly. he first half was not his best half. He slowly got into the second. Seemed to choose the wrong options most of the time. Did have a part to play though, despite the defeat.
Substitutes
34 Donny van de Beek
Replaced Telles 46'. Helped to change the game somewhat for United. Could have done a lot better though.
33 Brandon Williams
Replaced Shaw 61'. Got physical and stuck into the job in hand. Not sure why so many criticise him. He's a young player that has given his all when he's played.
6 Paul Pogba
Replaced Matic 61'. It was all about him tonight, whether he played or not. Had some good involvement in the match. I'd like to see consistency from him though.
24 Timothy Fosu-Mensah
Replaced Wan-Bissaka 77'. I'm not sure he really got into the match. United were on the attack for much of the final ten minutes and added time, seeking a third goal which never came.
38 Axel Tuanzebe
Replaced Lindelof 78'. Did not spend much time on the pitch, or have much involvement. United were pushing for a third goal for much of the tine he was on the pitch.
Goals: Angeliño 2′, Amadou Haidara 13′, Justin Kluivert 69′; Bruno Fernandes 80′ penalty, Harry Maguire 82′
Assists: Marcel Sabitzer 2′, Angeliño 13′, Christopher Nkunku 69′; Bruno Fernandes 82′
Manchester United: De Gea; Lindelof (Tuanzebe 78′), Maguire, Shaw (Williams 61′); Wan-Bissaka (Fosu-Mensah 77′), Matic (Pogba 61′), McTominay, Telles (Van de Beek 46′); Fernandes; Greenwood, Rashford
Substitutes Not Used: Henderson, Grant; Bailly; Mata, Lingard, James; Ighalo
Bookings: Nordi Mukiele 32′, Marcel Sabitzer 35′, Justin Kluivert 62′, Tyler Adams 81′; Bruno Fernandes 5′, Luke Shaw 43′, Harry Maguire 62′, Brandon Williams 68′, Victor Lindelof 77′
Written by John Walker
