Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Owen Hargreaves highlights glaring Manchester United tactical error in defeat to Atletico Madrid

Owen Hargreaves has questioned Manchester United's tactics after Atletico Madrid knocked his old side out of the Champions League.

United played well for the majority of the first half and they had a great chance to take the lead through first-leg hero Anthony Elanga. However, it was Atletico who headed for the half-time interval a goal to the good.

An Antoine Griezmann cross was met by the head of Renan Lodi at the back stick, with the Brazilian planting his effort beyond David de Gea. Supporters in Old Trafford appealed for a foul on Elanga in the build-up but the referee waved the complaints away.

ALSO READ: Manchester United fans agree with Ralf Rangnick over controversial Bruno Fernandes decision

In the second half, United failed to create any clear-cut chances and fell to a narrow defeat on the night which signalled the end of their European hopes. Speaking on BT Sport post-match, Hargreaves questioned United's approach to the game.

He explained: "This crowd was expecting, we were all expecting. Then the atmosphere just fizzled out and went flat.

"So many players were out there on the pitch that could have made a difference tonight. You know Atletico like to sit in, why are United whipping balls in for the Atletico defence to head clear?

Get your free William Hill shop bet and special Cheltenham Festival pull-out with your Manchester Evening News every day from Tuesday to Friday this week. Follow this link for more details

"At some point, you have to lure them out of position, get runners in behind. [Stefan] Savic and [Jose] Gimenez just headed things clear all game. There weren’t many clear-cut chances all game."

Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.