Here are five things we learned from the game…
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Rangnick mixes things up.
Ralf Rangnick made four substitutions from the starting lineup that faced Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Nemanja Matic, Anthony Elanga, and Alex Telles replaced Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford.
Sancho has been playing so well that he might be considered rested,’ but the other three England internationals have been indifferent form and could have been ‘dropped.’
Rangnick stuck with the formation he’s been using recently, which means Paul Pogba went to the left side of midfield.
It’s been a busy period, and the fixtures keep coming, so Rangnick used the opportunity to shake things up while also sending a warning to certain underperforming players.
2. United blows first-half opportunities.
United was sluggish to begin the game in midweek, but they came out with greater intent today, dominating the game.
Chances were generated on a regular basis, but Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo were among those who failed to capitalize.
In previous games, United has only gone into halftime with a 1-0 lead after a first-half that merited significantly more. Despite an outstanding first 45 minutes, it was still a tie at the break.
3. United eventually put up a show, but it was in vain.
So far, United has been unable to put together a full 90-minute effort under Rangnick.
Good first halves have given way to terrible second halves and slow starts that have been clawed back.
United, on the other hand, did not allow their performance levels to slide and remained on the front foot throughout the game, creating chances.
However, it proved futile on a miserable afternoon when the outcome was critical.
4. Rangnick’s subs fail to make a difference in the game.
Rangnick’s changes have changed the course of recent games, but he was unable to do so here.
He can’t be accused of lacking ambition because, by the conclusion of the game, he had a 4-2-4 in play, with little protection for the back four as United pursued the game.
But it didn’t have the expected effect since United couldn’t find a way to score when it should have been three points.
5. United blows an opportunity to increase pressure on
Tottenham’s earlier victory over Leeds added pressure to this game, which was already crucial.
However, because United is not in play this weekend, they missed the opportunity to reply and throw down the challenge to Arsenal as well.
This is an extremely disappointing conclusion, erasing some of the momentum and confidence that had been built up in recent weeks and giving the top four rivals an unfair advantage.
