Manchester United beat Villarreal by 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday night thanks to a late goal by Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Red Devils’ struggle to break down deep-lying defences have been a problem throughout the tenure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. And it was a similar story against Villarreal. The Norwegian’s side looked completely out of ideas when they got the ball. And despite having controlled possession most of the game, they could not manage to threaten the Yellow Submarine’s defence.
The Old Trafford outfit had to go with a new backline due to the injuries of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw. And the suspension of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Solskjaer tweaked his midfield combination a bit and rather than going with two holding midfielders. He deployed only one defensive midfielder Scott McTominey. Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes were two more attacking-minded midfielders.
Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo were the front three for Manchester United.
Ronaldo rescues Manchester United from another disappointing result:
Solskjaer’s side had the majority of the ball in the first half but they could not create a single opportunity for the forward players. On the other hand, Unai Emery’s side looked much more threatening and had enough chances to go out of sight before the end of the first half. But, thanks to the brilliant goalkeeping from David de Gea it was still goalless during the interval.
Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma was the most lively player on the pitch inside the first 45 minutes. And Diogo Dalot struggled against the Dutchman big-time. The Yellow Submarines broke the deadlock with a quite familiar scene as the former Bournemouth winger went behind the Portuguese right-back. And the 24-years-old’s cross was easily put away by Paco Alcacer.
However, Manchester United took no time to equalize the game when Bruno Fernandes’ delivered free-kick was brilliantly volleyed home by Alex Telles from outside the box.
Solskjaer’s side started pressing higher up the pitch following the equaliser and looked more threatening. However, the Red Devils could not break down the Yellow Submarines’ defensive shape.
In the end, Cristiano Ronaldo came to rescue Manchester United on the 95th minute. When he scored the match-winning goal from an acute angle. The Portuguese had a disappointing night against the Spanish opposition but did something that he has been doing time and time again.
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