Siri, define Manchester United
Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League at the round of 16 stage on Tuesday night, as familiar problems saw them unable to mount a serious threat after going behind.
Renan Lodi’s header late in the first half gave Atlético Simeone’s side the advantage, allowing them to enter their element, defending deep and nasty.
United didn’t help themselves, either, as a disjointed second half performance saw them muster only one shot on target in the second half. Well, two if you count the bottles that hit Simeone after the final whistle.
One comical moment in the second half that summed up United’s night as well as anything has since gone viral. Preparing to attack a corner, United’s two biggest aerial threats, Harry Maguire ad Cristiano Ronaldo, clashed heads – with the latter fortunate to keep his teeth in tact.
Maguire, who was holding onto Atléti defender Reinildo’s hand, then appeared to punch himself in the face.
Maguire clashing heads with Ronaldo and then using Mandava's hand to punch himself in the face is the most slapstick thing I've seen in football in years pic.twitter.com/8yYdQylVM1
— Chloe Anderson (@NUFCBrace) March 15, 2022
The defeat leaves United facing another season without a trophy, making it five years since they last got their hands on a piece of silverware, winning the Europa League in 2017.
It is the first time the club have gone so long without a trophy since 1974.
There is not much new to add about United, a club facing numerous existential crises, unsure of who their manager will be next season, or what to do with their stadium.
Their focus for the remainder of the season will now turn to securing Champions League football for next season. Currently a point behind Arsenal – who have three games in hand on them – Ralf Rangnick’s side face an uphill battle to finish in the top four.
