Cristiano Ronaldo stole the winner to seal the comeback as Manchester United came from two goals down at half time to win 3-2 and go top of Group F in the UEFA Champions League.
Atalanta put in a performance to be proud of but could not hold on to a two goal lead as Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo all got on the scoresheet to give United the win.
Atlanta put in a very solid performance in the first half, nullifying the offensive threat of United and put themselves two up, despite having key injuries across the pitch including Robin Gosens, Rafael Toloi and Berat Djimsiti.
It was a thrilling encounter at Old Trafford between two top teams and perhaps things could have been different if Merih Demiral was not forced off at half time due to injury.
Nonetheless, it is Ronaldo who will once again steal the headlines here as he continues to make his mark at the elite level. So, let’s take a look at the player ratings from the five-goal thriller.
Yes! The Theater Of Dreams is on fire! We are alive! We are Man. United and we never give up! This is Old Trafford! ?⚪️⚫️ ?? pic.twitter.com/3rsmOBpS8H
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) October 20, 2021
Manchester United
David De Gea – 7.5
A very good performance by the Spanish international, making a couple of fine saves at an important moment in the match when United were 2-1 down.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6.5
Did not do too much of note throughout the match but did complete the most passes in the match with 65 and also made a few good runs forward.
Victor Lindelof – 5.5
Was turned by Duvan Zapata too easily in the second half and did not have the best of games. Not a great performance.
Harry Maguire – 7
Was not the best of games at the back and could have done better for Atalanta’s second goal from the corner. However, scored a vital goal with a superb finish to draw the scores level.
Luke Shaw – 6.5
Did ok at the back but could have done better in the lead up to both of Atalanta’s goals. Did provide a great cross for the Ronaldo winner, however.
Fred – 6
Did not do too much of note and had United’s best chance in the first half but was denied by Musso. Struggled in the midfield but had little support from the forwards.
Scott McTominay – 6
Hit the post in the second half but struggled a little in the midfield with Fred, mainly due to a lack of support.
Mason Greenwood – 6
Looked a threat with his pace and also put the ball in for McTominay’s effort that hit the post. Was not involved too much, however.
Bruno Fernandes – 9
A truly wonderful performance by Fernandes here. The Portuguese midfielder was superb throughout, creating nine chances in the game and his pass to assist Rashford’s goal was simply sublime. Helped the midfield in the second half by dropping deeper and wasn’t afraid to stick a foot in. Top performance by a world class player.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 8
Champions League nights. Cristiano Ronaldo. Of course, he does it again. Provided the winner with a trademark header. Missed a few chances earlier on, which he perhaps could have taken, but put in a good performance.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Did well in his first start back from injury and took his goal well with a good finish past Musso. However, he did squander a few important chances. Still a little rusty.
Substitutions
Paul Pogba – 6.5
Did fairly well when he came on and added a bit of extra quality to the midfield.
Edinson Cavani – 6.5
Worked hard as always when he came on and also created two chances.
Jadon Sancho – N/A
Nemanja Matic – N/A
Sum up Manchester United ? Atalanta in 3 words ?#UCL pic.twitter.com/j2tSZm7ZXe
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 20, 2021
Atalanta
Juan Musso – 8
Had to make a number of fine saves throughout the match, including a top save from a close range effort by Fred. Could not do much about the goals and did well throughout the night.
Marten De Roon – 6
Playing in his unnatural position tonight and was the weakest at the back for Atalanta.
Merih Demiral – 7.5
Put in a fantastic performance before being forced off at half time due to injury. Scored Atalanta’s second goal and also made a brilliant tackle on Rashford who was through on goal.
Jose Palomino – 7
You have got to feel sorry for Palomino tonight, he looked absolutely devastated towards the end of the match and you could see the hard work he had put in. Looked pretty solid overall, particularly in the first half, putting in some good challenges.
Davide Zappacosta – 7
Provided the assist for the first Atalanta goal, making a good run in behind the United defense. Fairly solid defensively.
Teun Koopmeiners – 6.5
Provided the assist from a corner for Atalanta’s second goal and also had a 85% pass accuracy. Created three chances. Failed to win any tackles in the midfield, however.
Remo Freuler – 6
The captain was wasteful in possession and did not win any tackles in the midfield. Made a couple of interceptions but could have done better.
Joakim Maehle – 6.5
Fairly solid performance at the back and was accurate with his passing. Decent performance at wing-back.
Mario Pasalic – 6
Scored Atalanta’s first goal of the night, making a good run across the front of goal before converting a tap in. Struggled to create, however, and was wasteful in possession.
Luis Muriel – 6
Was not in the game too much before being subbed off early in the second half. Threatened with his pace though and played a role in Atalanta’s first goal.
Josip Ilicic – 6
Created a couple of chances but did make an error leading to a United goal.
Substitutions
Matteo Lovato – 5
It was a difficult night for the 21-year-old defender who replaced Demiral at half time. Was booked for a cynical challenge on Ronaldo.
Duvan Zapata – 6
Was sent on to help hold the ball up on the counter for Atalanta and had a great chance when the score was at 2-1 but was denied by De Gea.