Walking out onto the turf at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Manchester United held their Champions League fate firmly in their own hands.
It has been a Group H campaign full of ups and downs. From being written off in the beginning, to being in full control at the half way point, to dancing with the demons of elimination in the end.
A United side that is still largely inexperienced and getting used to playing with astronomical expectations on their backs battled – they were brave and showed a ton of character, even if it did get overshadowed by their prevalent frailties. But as Antonio Mateu Lahoz’s whistle blew for the final time, the Red Devils were dealt a blow that sent many players to their knees.
At this point, most fans are used to United teams not making life easy for themselves. That might be one of the beauties of being a fan — it is never boring. But in a game of the magnitude, a lack of intensity, intent, desire is simply inexcusable.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side only needed to leave Germany with a point. Hence, the Norwegian’s line up was a little conservative. United took to the pitch in a 3-5-2 system that looked to cover all bases. There was enough protection defensively with a mix of energy and calculation in midfield and also enough attacking threat with a creative front three, and free running full-backs.
But as this particular United team has sourly learnt on multiple occasions in the past, all systems and tactics go out the window if the basics aren’t executed right — and this Leipzig side simply wanted it more than the visitors, particularly in the first 45 minutes.
Before the game even really started, United were behind by two goals, thanks to Angelino and Amadou Haidara. The Reds were caught out by twin like sequences of play from opposite sides of the pitch, as early looping crosses into the box were converted confidently by the two wing-backs.
Solskjaer’s defence looked bamboozled and not prepared for what the opposition had to offer going forward, all in spite of successfully neutralising those same threats only a couple of months ago at Old Trafford.
Going behind was a massive gut punch for the side and the whole purpose of the reserved set-up the manager opted for was out the window before the first quarter of an hour. The team needed a master reset and never really got going in the opening frame.
The half-time introduction of Donny van de Beek, along with reverting to a back four brought change. It was a positive substitution and United responded well. It was needed and they took control of proceedings from the off.
The clear chances were still not really coming but United had enough half chances to convert some and get back into the game. But, the inexperience in these moments shone through. It’s safe to say that Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford are still learning to lead in these situations, under the brightest of lights, while Bruno Fernandes was swarmed and fouled every time he touched the ball. Leipzig really did their homework.
The Reds came closest from a set-piece, as Bruno rattled the bar from a free kick around the 60 minute mark. At that point, it felt like this time, it was simply not going to happen for United. The come back kings looked to have finally been undone.
Justin Kluivert rubbed salt into the wounds in the 69th minute as he pounced on a defensive calamity and chipped a stranded and indecisive David de Gea. United were down for the count.
But then — there was hope.
Mason Greenwood latched onto a loose ball in the 78th minute, winning possession off a shoulder to shoulder, duel before being brought down in the area. Penalty.
Bruno steps up — goal. 1-3. 10 minutes left to play. Surely not?
Two minutes later, the man in the headlines during the pre-match build up, Paul Pogba, rose the highest from a set-piece to direct the ball on target. It deflects off a Leipzig defender and nestles in the back of the net. 2-3. 8 minutes left to play. Are they about to do it again?
The United faithful worldwide were on their feet. The Reds have came from behind on numerous occasions in the Premier League recently, but doing it in Europe would have trumped all of those wins. Sadly, the quality of opposition this time proved too tough to overcome. But not for the lack of chances.
United found themselves in a few promising positions in the last 15 minutes, including stoppage time, but just failed to convert. The cool heads that were needed in those moments in the final third were missing. A miraculous save off a deflected Paul Pogba cross from Peter Gulacsi proved to be enough to see the German’s over the finish line. The Reds are headed to the second tier of European football.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt’s a real shame. United were so close. In the group of death, they were in control. But when you’re in control, you need experience and leaders to carry you through the decisive moments. And unfortunately, the club’s rebuild is still shaping those characters.
There won’t be many positives to take home from Leipzig other than the fighting spirit. This is a team and they are never out of a game. They don’t give up. But some finishing lessons wouldn’t go a miss moving forward.
You’d expect that now, United’s sole focus will be the league, which has been blown wide open and this side is certainly capable of achieving something special.
They have enough heartbreaks in them now to learn from and start producing the goods. The signs of progress from Solskjaer’s rebuild so far are glaring, but his side will likely need some validation for their work in the shape of a trophy this season in order to be allowed to continue this journey.
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