On matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League, Manchester United were beaten 2-1 by Young Boys in a shock result. Cristiano Ronaldo put United ahead after 13 minutes. However, the game turned on its head after Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s poor challenge resulted in a red card. United had to play the remaining 55 minutes with 10 men at the Wankdorf Stadium. Moumi Ngamaleu levelled up in the 66th minute, with Jesse Lingard’s back-pass resulting in a last-minute winner for Young Boys. The goal came from Jordan Siebatcheu.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s complacency
With United’s failure to shift Diogo Dalot on and sign Kieran Trippier, Aaron Wan-Bissaka seems to have become complacent. The right-back looked to shy away from the ball against Newcastle United on Saturday and brought this attitude into the game tonight. He and Jadon Sancho failed to get any sort of link-up going in the time Wan-Bissaka was on the pitch. A poor touch led to United’s number 29 having to go into a challenge he should’ve never had to make.
Although Wan-Bissaka is an excellent defender when it comes to 1v1 defending, he has been suspect at times at the back-post. His game going forward had seen some improvement last season, but Wan-Bissaka hasn’t really kicked on from this. He seems unwilling to drive with the ball, instead often choosing the safe option which is to turn inside. Going forward is one of Diogo Dalot’s best attributes, but he hasn’t really been given the opportunity to showcase this. Is it time Dalot is given a chance at right-back?
Jadon Sancho needs time to settle in at Manchester United
Although Jadon Sancho cost Manchester United £72 million, he needs time to settle in. Due to the Englishman’s unreal numbers in the Bundesliga, many seem to forget that he is just 21 years old. Sancho started off brightly at the weekend however, failed to really make an impact in the 35 minutes he played tonight. He was hooked off after Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s sending off.
With all eyes currently on Cristiano Ronaldo, this can only help Jadon Sancho. With the spotlight off him, Sancho can quietly settle in and soon show the Old Trafford faithful what he’s all about. Manchester United fans won’t be worried too much about the English forward’s form. Coming from the Bundesliga to the Premier League is a huge step-up in intensity as well as quality. Jadon Sancho will be a star for this club for years to come.
No need for panic although United lose to Young Boys
As usual after a poor Manchester United result, many United fans across social media went into meltdown. Although Solskjær’s changes could’ve been more positive, the result wasn’t down to him. With 10-men, away from home in the Champions League, 1-1 isn’t the worst result in the world. The game was lost due to a horrible mistake made by Jesse Lingard. Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s sending off also didn’t help.
Manchester United still have 5 more games to play in the group. Villareal, Atalanta and Young Boys at home won’t be easy fixtures, but United should have more than enough to still top the group. In the Champions League, it’s not how you start, but how you finish. Last season, United started off with 6 points out of 6 and still ended up in the Europa League. The main thing for Solskjær’s side is qualification; something which is still very much in United’s hands.
Cristiano Ronaldo still has an unbelievable amount to offer
One of the only positives from tonight was Cristiano Ronaldo. He was the only Manchester United player to have a shot all evening. One which was the goal, with the other forcing a save from the Young Boys goalkeeper. In the second half, the Portuguese international was isolated however, did almost make something out of nothing. Just as he did with his goal. Ronaldo forced a mistake out of a Young Boys defender, carrying the ball nearly 40 yards but was shrugged off the ball as he closed in towards goal.
Ronaldo’s goal was a finish which saw the 36-year-old make an excellent dart into the box. However, all props must go to Bruno Fernandes for his outstanding, outside of the boot cross. With the right service provided, Ronaldo could hit crazy numbers in terms of goals. With Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes just some of the creative sources in this side, Ronaldo should be in good hands.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s decision making vs Young Boys
Although the loss itself wasn’t largely down to Solskjær, questions will still be asked of the Norwegian. He opted to change to a 5-3-1 formation in the second half, bringing on Raphaël Varane. Many United fans feel as though the manager didn’t need to be so negative with his substitutes. Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes were also brought off; changes that left some fans baffled. Yes, Solskjær may have been focused on taking a point, but these are two players that often score out of nothing. In the end, Nemanja Matic didn’t really offer much as Young Boys continued to pepper David De Gea’s goal. On the other hand, it was Jesse Lingard who threw the point away right at the death for Solskjær’s men.
