Manchester United 1-1 Atletico Madrid: 5 talking points as Anthony Elanga strikes late to secure a draw for the visitors | UEFA Champions League 2021-22

Atletico Madrid and Manchester United played out a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Champions League last night.
Atletico Madrid and Manchester United played out a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Champions League last night.

#3 Anthony Elanga makes an instant impact to thwart Atletico Madrid

Anthony Elanga's goal could prove to be crucial for Manchester United in the second leg against Atletico Madrid.
Anthony Elanga's goal could prove to be crucial for Manchester United in the second leg against Atletico Madrid.

Anthony Elanga helped Manchester United claw themselves back into the game with one of his first touches after coming on for Marcus Rashford in the 75th minute

Just five minutes after Elanga's introduction, Bruno Fernandes threaded a deft pass for him on a quick counterattack. He found himself one-on-one with Jan Oblak, one of the best goalkeepers in the world after a failed challenge by one of the Atletico defenders.

He kept his calm and beat the keeper from close range as United scored from their first shot on target. In scoring the equalizing goal, Elanga also became the club's youngest goalscorer in the Champions League, aged just 19 years and 302 days.


#2 Ralf Rangnick's gamble to play Victor Lindelof at right-back fails

Manchester United's Victor Lindelof (left) struggled in an unfamiliar position against Atletico Madrid.
Manchester United's Victor Lindelof (left) struggled in an unfamiliar position against Atletico Madrid.

Victor Lindelof is a good defender on his day but having started in an unfamiliar position in the game, he struggled to produce what was expected of him. Ralf Rangnick opted for a strong starting XI against Atletico Madrid, so his decision to play the Swedish defender at right-back was a bit strange.

The manager even conceded in the post-match interview that deploying him out wide was not the right choice in the game. While Lindelof can be useful with his aerial prowess and reading of the game, he found himself chasing Renan Lodi with little success on the flanks in this match.

The Brazilian left-back was in great form and picked up the assist for Felix's opener following a clearance from Lindelof. Reinildo Mandava's overlapping runs also caused a lot of problems for the Swede.

The Red Devils are likely to benefit more if they start a specialist at right-back in the second leg at Old Trafford. If Rangnick does want to play Lindelof to add to his side's defensive solidity, he may have to shift to a three-man defense.


#1 Bruno Fernandes picks up yet another crucial assist for Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes delivered a crucial assist for Manchester United to keep them level heading into the second leg at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes delivered a crucial assist for Manchester United to keep them level heading into the second leg at Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes created yet another goal for Manchester United in this game as he extended his lead atop the assists charts in this season's Champions League. The Portuguese midfielder has not been in top form in the ongoing campaign but still remains a vital cog in the Red Devils machine.

He has now provided an assist in every match he has played in the competition this term and has been one of United's best players. Fernandes currently has seven assists from six Champions League matches, though he is yet to open his goal account.

Apart from recording an assist, Fernandes also contributed defensively against Atletico Madrid, making six recoveries and two clearances.

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