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#3 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer persists with the three-at-the-back gambit
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s response to Manchester United’s humiliating defeat to Liverpool was to deploy a three-at-the-back system in his side’s next game. The change in formation paid off as the Red Devils delivered a much better performance and secured a well-deserved win against Tottenham Hotspur. With that in mind, Solskjaer saw it fit to line his side up the same way in Tuesday's game as well.
Atalanta, however, matched Manchester United with a three-at-the-back formation of their own and came with much more attacking intent than Spurs did at the weekend. As a result, they were able to find a lot more space behind the United backline and exploited it with regularity.
As it turned out, Raphael Varane having to go off injured in the first half forced Solskjaer into rethinking his tactical tweak. Although Manchester United reverted to four at the back, it remains to be seen if they continue with their new formation going forward.
#4 Duvan Zapata exposes a suspect Manchester United defence
While Atalanta were extremely impressive as an attacking unit, their striker Duvan Zapata absolutely stole the show. The Colombian occupied Manchester United’s centre-backs virtually single-handedly, using his pace and physicality to great effect.
Zapata’s hold-up play and movement was superb, and his second-half goal was extremely well-deserved. He had an entertaining battle with Eric Bailly throughout, with the Ivorian forced to be at the top of his game.
The ease with which he got into dangerous positions is something Solskjaer and Manchester United will definitely want to promptly address. Even though the Red Devils clawed their way back to draw the game at the death, Zapata’s performance was worthy of winning any game.
#5 It’s all extremely tight in Group F
While nothing was going to be decided on the night, the fourth Champions League gameweek leaves Group F in an extremely interesting position. In fact, with two games still to be played, all four sides could potentially qualify for the next round.
Villarreal, who beat Young Boys in the other fixture from the group, are currently joint table-toppers alongside Manchester United on 7 points. Atalanta sit in third position on five, with Young Boys bringing up the rear with three.
As such, none of these sides can afford to take their foot off the gas throughout the duration of the group stage.
Poll : Will Manchester United qualify for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16?
Yes
No
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