Atletico Madrid defeated Manchester United 2-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday, adding to the pressure on United coach Michael Carrick after another disappointing performance from the English club.
Pablo Barrios put Diego Simeone’s side ahead within the opening minute at the Metropolitano Stadium. Ademola Lookman then scored in the 79th minute after United defender Leny Yoro was sent off following a VAR review.
The defeat dealt another blow to Manchester United, who have endured their worst domestic start in 40 years and are now without a win in five matches across all competitions.
United defender Lisandro Martinez described the team’s performance as “really poor” and suggested that the problems extended beyond the players on the pitch.
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“It is annoying, disappointing coming here and I am not seeing my team trying to get an amazing result here, it’s disappointing,” Martinez told Amazon Prime.
Barrios Strikes Inside the First Minute
Atletico made an immediate impact after fans displayed a banner urging the team to “defend what we love” before kick-off.
Alex Baena found space behind United’s defence and cut the ball back for Barrios, whose shot crossed the line despite Ayden Heaven’s attempt to stop it.
Barrios celebrated by holding up six fingers in tribute to Atletico captain Koke, whose mother had died.
“It was really tough news for everyone and I said if I scored I would do that,” Barrios said.
He added that scoring early helped Atletico control the match.
“As well as for the team, it was very important (to win) for Koke and all of his family, it’s a very tough day for them, this victory is for them,” he said.
United had chances to respond. Bryan Mbeumo found space after taking the ball through Cristian Romero’s legs but sent his shot narrowly wide.
Atletico threatened again when Alejandro Grimaldo struck a free-kick against the junction of the post and crossbar.
The hosts appeared to double their advantage before half-time when Johnny Cardoso finished from the edge of the box. However, VAR ruled out the goal after determining that the ball had struck Marcos Llorente’s hand during the build-up.
United Hit the Woodwork Before Yoro’s Red Card
Atletico continued to create chances after the break, with Julian Alvarez hitting the post early in the second half.
United responded through captain Bruno Fernandes, whose attempted lob drifted narrowly wide before he struck the crossbar following a corner routine.
However, United’s hopes suffered a major setback when Yoro received a red card after a VAR review for bringing down Canada striker Jonathan David as the last defender.
The dismissal left United with 10 men and gave Atletico greater control of the closing stages.
David was denied by United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, but Lookman collected the rebound and finished in the 79th minute to make it 2-0.
Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak later saved an effort from United substitute Matheus Cunha, ensuring the Spanish side completed the victory without conceding.
Carrick Faces Growing Pressure
Carrick made several changes to his starting line-up, handing Carlos Baleba his first start since arriving from Brighton in the summer and moving Fernandes to the right side.
He also withdrew Fernandes late in the match with United’s upcoming Premier League fixture against rivals Leeds in mind.
The defeat leaves Carrick under increasing scrutiny as United search for a way out of their poor run of form.
“It is very hard to say after a defeat that there is positives. We just have to work hard to keep working and keep trusting in our structure,” United midfielder Youri Tielemans told Amazon Prime.
“We have to keep working, keep trusting each other and be together on this.”
For Atletico, the result provided their first points of the Champions League league phase after an opening defeat to Liverpool. Simeone’s side will look to build on the victory as the competition continues.
