Five things we learned in Manchester United vs Atalanta 2-2 draw

Five things we learned in Manchester vs  Atalanta 2-2 draw.

Manchester United played a 2-2 draw against Atalanta in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League at the Gewiss stadium on Tuesday night.

The Red Devils had to come back from behind twice, to level the game, a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo earned Ole Gunnar Solskjaer an all-important point against Gasperini’s men.

We take a look at what we learned from the match.

1. The 3-5-2 formation can not fix defensive issues
During a press conference before the game, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed he will not stick to the 3-5-2 he used against Tottenham and can switch at any time.
He may have to consider switching back to 4-2-3-1. The aim of the 3-5-2 was to prevent the team from conceding a lot of goals.
Atalanta took the lead in the eleventh minute, through Josip Ilicic. The formation might have worked against a limited Tottenham side, but not against a free-scoring side.

2. Raphael Varane Injury Blow
In the 36th minute of play, United suffered a major setback, as defender Raphael Varane picked up a knock, it looks like he pulled a muscle. Varane has only just returned from a groin injury.
Mason Greenwood was brought in for the injured Frenchman as United reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation.
United could be without the services of Raphael Varane when they face rivals Manchester City at the weekend, which will be a big blow with Victor Lindelof also out with a knock.

3. Paul Pogba weakness
Paul Pogba had a terrible on the night especially in the first half of the game.
If he was not giving away passes to the opponent, he was passing the ball out of play and was poor defensively.
He was lucky to stay that long on the pitch with such a display. He was finally replaced in the 68th minute by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
It was a sloppy performance from the Frenchman and it feels beneficial that he won’t be available this weekend due to suspension.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes magic
Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored five goals in four Champions League matches for United.
He netted a brace in Italy to saved Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blushes.
The first goal was a pure class as the two Portuguese International combined, Bruno Fernadez backheel to set up united’s first goal.

The goal was outstanding and as long as United have players like Fernandes and Ronaldo in the team, there is always a possibility.
Ronaldo’s last goal was an incredible equalising goal from the edge of the area.

5. Manchester United are still in the Lead
The other game of the group saw Villarreal defeat Young Boys 2-0. The result took the Spanish side to the same points as Atalanta.
A draw kept united ahead of Atalanta in the group and very key for the next game against Villarreal.
United will need to avoid a defeat against Villarreal, though a loss will not mean a total elimination, but would have happened if they had lost last night’s game.