FULL TIME ANALYSIS: Man Utd 0-1 Athletico Madrid
Manchester united faced Athletico Madrid in what is their second to the last pre season friendly game before the Epl returns to action on Friday. The game commenced at about 12:45pm in Ullevaal stadium at Oslo, Norway in front of thousands of fans undoubtedly.
The gaffer Erik Ten Haag made just few changes to the starting line up of his previous match against Aston Villa (a match which ended in a devastating 2-2 draw). Bringing on Anthony Elanga in place of Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia in place of Luke shaw. Luke shaw was not among the travelling squad to Oslo quite okay but for Sancho who was in Oslo with the sqaud, it is speculated that he is ill.
The game proved to be a tough one with high pressing and treats from both teams.The first half of the fixture ended in a goal less draw after various physical tussles that led to the booking of players from both teams including Scott Mctominay, Fred, Jan Oblak and Reinildo.
The second half kick started with the possibility of both teams winning still high. Although Manchester united had a couple of attempts towards goal unlike Athletico Madrid which had none.
Into the second half, same intensity continued with same pace and ultimately same score before Diego Simeone made an overhaul of his players with nine changes that featured their key men Anthonio Griezman and Jao Felix. The substitutes came on at the hour mark.
5 minutes later (70 minutes into the game), Erik Ten Haag made two changes, bringing on new signing Christian Eriksen and Donny Van De Beek to replace Anthony Martial who was earlier fouled and Scott Mctominay who was earlier booked. The game continued with the deadlock yet to be broken.
Many crucial attempts followed after the substitutions with Anthonio Griezman almost putting his name on the score sheet after a volley from a corner cross but of course David De Gea was there to rescue the situation. Harry Maguire also made an attempt from Christian Eriksen’s corner but unfortunately, it went wide. And the game continued with the sides yet to be separated.
Facundo Pellistri came on board 76 minutes into the game to replace Anthony Elanga. And the hustle for a breakthrough continued.
On the 87th minute of the game, Jao Felix made the most out of the chance gotten to find the back of the net. This threw Athletico Madrid ahead by a goal with just three minutes to go.
These last three minutes of the game became intense and ‘aggressive’ and soon, Fred was shown a second yellow card after a late challenge on Morata. He was sent off on the 90th minute of the game. While he went out, Facundo Pellistri was taken off as well to be replaced by James Garner.
Two minutes of stoppage time was all Manchester United had to play with a man down.
The match ended in Oslo as a 1-nill win for Athletico Madrid.
FULL TIME ANALYSIS: Man Utd 0-1 Athletico Madrid
