RB Leipzig 3-2 Manchester United: 5 talking points as the Red Devils are knocked out of the UCL | UEFA Champions League 2020-21

#2 Julian Nagelsmann gets his tactics spot on

Nagelsmann had plenty of reasons to smile post-match after Leipzig's 3-2 win over Manchester United

Julian Nagelsmann took responsibility for Manchester United's bloated but nonetheless emphatic 5-0 thrashing on MD2 - having conceded four goals in the last 16 minutes plus stoppage-time in October. They were overwhelmed on the counter, having deployed a 3-1-4-2 formation that saw Kevin Kampl overrun in midfield while Olmo and Christopher Nkunku were essentially non-factors for large periods.

Well, the tables have turned this time, and Manchester United clearly didn't do their due diligence. RB Leipzig had just conceded six goals in two completely different matches against Basaksehir and Bayern Munich. They were almost punished for their profligacy (20 shots, hitting the woodwork twice) on MD5 but the Bavarians' quality shone through to claw back a point three days later last week.

What this should've taught Manchester United was that, at the very least, RB Leipzig were defensively vulnerable at times - not least with Angelino and Mukiele flying forward. So, they should've defended tightly for the opening stanza and patiently broken them down. That gameplan had evaporated after 110 seconds.

"We've got to look at ourselves.""You can't defend crosses, you're going to lose matches."Man Utd captain Harry Maguire spoke to @andymay after a disappointing 3-2 loss at RB Leipzig. pic.twitter.com/RjhXGoR5fJ

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 8, 2020

Although he's been inconsistent this term, many fans were worried about Upamecano's absence through a yellow card suspension. Haidara played ahead of Mukiele in central midfield at Bayern Munich but slotted well into an unfamiliar role at wing-back.

Mukiele often came out second-best in duels with Mason Greenwood, Konate was inevitably punished for being overzealous and Willi Orban - the least mobile and perceived weakest link - performed best at the back, though none of the players covered themselves in glory.

For all of Fernandes' touches (94), he and his Manchester United teammates didn't do enough to get a lively Rashford on the ball regularly.

They were overrun in midfield by Olmo's false-nine role and when Solskjaer could change their system, it was already too late. Pressed off-the-ball and harried into mistakes early on, RB Leipzig set up the foundations for a memorable victory brilliantly. So much so that despite a late wobble, Nagelsmann has plenty of reasons to smile.

#1 Manchester United falter again, punished for another slow start

United needed just a point in Germany but were left exposed and will face Europa League football in 2021

There will be a deep dive into Manchester United's latest demise, and rightly so, after such a promising start to a tough group. Earning the much-anticipated knockout beth would've earned them £8.5m. Winning the Europa League altogether - something they couldn't do in August - is worth £7.7m, so you can already see significant discrepancies between Europe's two club competitions.

Maguire and Solskjaer both discussed their slow start, something they've managed to get away with on numerous occasions already this season (Brighton, Newcastle, Everton, Southampton and most recently away to West Ham over the weekend).

Manchester United only have themselves to blame for seemingly failing to do their homework ahead of a must-win game - even if they only needed a point - and were exposed by Nagelsmann's men, who executed their gameplan brilliantly.

Manchester United's Champions League campaign is over ❌RB Leipzig survive a late fightback to win 3-2 and book their place in the last 16. pic.twitter.com/XyKa7OxKTU

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 8, 2020

Harry Maguire said in the post-match interview:

"As a player, we have to be aggressive - win first and second balls, it's the basics of football but if you can't defend crosses, you're going to lose."

Up next, Manchester United host noisy neighbors Manchester City on Saturday evening. Pep Guardiola's men continue their seemingly never-ending pursuit of Champions League glory and qualified for the knockout stages with two games to spare.

It's unsurprising that Manchester United - who are better than they showed - were humbled after a naive start to the campaign had been overshadowed by their luck. An inquest awaits as they hope to respond accordingly with multiple players in the firing line.