Manchester United rallied to provide a memorable comeback by beating Atalanta in Wednesday’s Champions League tie.
Cristiano Ronaldo was the hero, scoring the winner in the 81st minute after Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford notched to bring Old Trafford to itsfeet. So Idusport will now take a look at four things we learned.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the hero
When United signed Ronaldo back in the summer transfer window, it was so he would win them trophies.
And because they have the 36-year-old, that’s certainly possible with the Portugal international coming up with the goods to secure all three points for the second game in a row.
Ronaldo was angry in the first half, often throwing his hands up in anger.
But he swallowed his pride and popped up with another winner, showing he’s a man tailor-made for the big occasion in the process.
United are, let’s make clear, inconsistent. But with Ronaldo in this team, anything is possible. And he’s now scoring increasingly frequently right when they need him to, especially on the European stage with three goals from three.
United have a new Solskjaer issue
United did win to spare Solskjaer from further scrutiny.
But now they have a new problem: Will this win merely paper over the cracks or go on to be a catalyst for brighter days ahead?
United are thoroughly unconvincing under the 48-year-old. But they appear to produce moments of magic when it really matters most.
United shouldn’t have won this based on their first half display.
And how they fare from here will be interesting, especially with talk of Antonio Conte and Zinedine Zidane rumbling on.
McTominay and Fred need upgrading
Back in the summer, United spent big on Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.
But they really needed a midfielder. And that is now more evident than ever.
Fred and Scott McTominay are capable players but that’s their limit under Solskjaer. Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek don’t seem trusted, while Nemanja Matic is on the wane.
United need an upgrade on tonight’s central midfield pairing if they’re to improve.
And the January transfer window can’t come quickly enough.
Rashford another silver lining
How United have missed Rashford?
The England international admitted before the game that he hadn’t been himself over the past 18 months due to a shoulder injury.
But, since returning, he’s looked back to his blockbuster best.
Rashford was another silver lining for United based on the events of the game, with the forward cuaisng havoc with his pace and potency.
His goal was well-taken and it’ll be interesting to see whether he can maintain this form going forward, now he’s injury free.