Manchester United’s early kick-off against Young Boys ended in a 2-1 defeat.
The group’s second game played in the timeslot afterwards and saw Atalanta and Villarreal play out a 2-2 draw.
The draw was a good result for United. Rather than have to try to catch two teams on three points, Villarreal and Atalanta each now only have a one point advantage on United after this loss.
Young Boys are the outsiders, the fourth seeds, and both Villarreal and Atalanta will take points off them.
- Young Boys: 3 points
- Atalanta: 1 point
- Villarreal: 1 point
- United: 0 points
The draw keeps the group open with five games remaining.
How the match went
Villarreal were at home and went behind when Atalanta midfielder Reno Freuler scored in just the sixth minute.
The La Liga side equalised before half-time with midfielder Manu Trigueros on the scoresheet.
Former Bournemouth forward Arnaut Danjuma put Villarreal 2-1 up, before winger Robin Gosens scored an 83rd minute equaliser for Atalanta.
Both teams looked sharp and capable of causing United problems. Villarreal had 14 shots at goal to Atalanta’s 13.
This result does help United out, but the hard work is still to be done.
United host Villarreal in the next game at Old Trafford, starting bottom of the group.
But if United beat Villarreal, and Young Boys and Atalanta draw, then United will be just one point off the top of the group, rather than the current three.
Reaction
The loss to Young Boys was terrible for United. But this result between the other two teams in the group is a little reason to be positive…
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