Instant verdict: Manchester United blow it against Spanish side for fifth consecutive season

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Manchester United are out of the Champions League after being beaten yet again by Spanish opposition.

Elimination at the hands of Atletico Madrid follows United’s European run being ended by Villarreal in 2021, Sevilla in 2020 and 2018 and Barcelona in 2019.

United did beat Real Sociedad and Granada in the Europa League last year, but generally, the top Spanish teams have had United’s number when it matters.

This performance was the latest let down on a big night when United’s players needed to step up.

United had begun as the more dangerous team, but alarm bells went off when Joao Felix scored midway through the first half and the goal was disallowed for offside.

The defending was amateurish from United, as it has been all season. Atletico scored just before half-time when Renan Lodi headed in a post at the near post.

United felt a foul should have been given on Anthony Elanga further up the pitch. It probably should have, yet United’s defending was still crushingly poor.

This was a night where United needed a big performance, and despite plenty of effort, the Red Devils were found wanting.

Atletico are having a tough domestic season, but this was evidence they are still a step ahead of United. They are a team, with a set style of play, who have played together and enjoyed success for years, and know how to win when it matters.

United just don’t have that killer edge, and nor did it look apparent at any time on Tuesday night. Atletico used all their experience to frustrate United and break up the game.

The team did not create enough clear cut chances, and the opportunities the team did have, they snatched at. For all the attacking players on the pitch, United were not good enough in the final third.

Like the Sevilla defeat in 2017/18, United were just not good enough. And this last 16 defeat shows that for all the bluster over the last five years, the club is no further forward.

As far as this season goes, United’s campaign is effectively over. This was the last, albeit slim, chance of silverware. Fans still dreamed, despite knowing how limited this team is. Having hope is what football is all about.

In the Premier League only a slim chance remains to grab a top four spot. It’s not impossible, but is reliant on other teams dropping points, and less likely – United going on a winning run.

This was a big disappointment which United now have a fortnight to stew on until the club’s next match, and it is time to start planning for the future.