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    ‘Klopp will be rubbing his hands together’ – Paul Scholes fears for Man Utd vs Liverpool after Atalanta first-half flop

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has declared Jurgen Klopp will be “rubbing his hands together” following the 3-2 win against Atalanta.The Red Devils once again came back from behind in the Champions League to win late on at Old Trafford having trailed 2-0 going into the break.
    Paul Scholes was hugely critical of Manchester United’s performance against AtalantaCredit: Getty
    Scholes believes Liverpool will breeze past the Red Devils on Sunday if they played like they did against the Serie A sideCredit: AFP
    It was a disastrous display from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men in the opening 45 minutes as they were outclassed by their Italian opponents, who could have scored more.
    And Scholes has stated they will be not be able to get away with a similar outing against rivals Liverpool on Sunday at the Theatre of Dreams.
    The BT Sport pundit said: “The first half put me off the second half. It was worrying, it looked anything but a team and lacked unity.
    “It was the back four, the two holding midfielders then the rest. Can they go and play against Liverpool or Manchester City like that? Never in a million years.
    “The two midfield players were playing on their own. They conceded so many chances. Against quality opposition there’s no way you’re winning that games.
    “Imagine Jurgen Klopp during that first half at home, watching rubbing his hands together.

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    “They can’t keep on relying on the goalkeeper like that. The quality has never been in doubt, it’s at the other end.
    “I don’t want to sound like a party pooper but that first half was a major worry for me.”
    He added: “I felt sorry for the two midfield players. There is not a chance they’ll play 4-2-4 this weekend, if they do they’ll get destroyed.
    “Fred and [Scott] McTominay – I don’t care what two midfielders in the world – you cannot handle that on your own.
    “The front four are so high, there is no connect between the team. If we play like that against Man City and Liverpool it will be disastrous.”
    Following the victory over Atalanta, Solskjaer bizarrely stated his side performed well in the first half, despite match-winner Cristiano Ronaldo left fuming with his team-mates.

    He remarked: “We played well first half. It was just two chances and two goals.
    “Out of nothing they scored the first goal then another set play. But they never stopped believing and kept on going.
    “They made a few mistakes but they kept going.”
    Schmeichel says Sancho will come good at Man Utd but must look at Ronaldo for inspiration More

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    Man Utd 3 Atalanta 2 LIVE REACTION: Cristiano Ronaldo header completes epic comeback at Old Trafford – latest updates

    MANCHESTER UNITED beat Atalanta 3-2 in the Champions League but had to do it the hard way as they came back from 2-0 down to do so. Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo’s second-half goals ensured a magical night at Old Trafford for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

    Start time: 8pm BST
    TV/Live stream: BT Sport 2
    Man Utd XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Freeed, Fernandes, McTominay, Rashford, Greenwood, Ronaldo

    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
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    THANKS FOR JOINING US
    That’s all from us tonight as Cristiano Ronaldo yet again came up with the goods to secure late victory for Manchester United in the Champions League.
    The Red Devils had gone into the break 2-0 down and were met with boos from the Old Trafford crowd.
    But a Marcus Rashford goal early into the second half started the comeback, before Harry Maguire levelled the scores with an instinctive finish.
    And then it was only going to be one man who scored the winner.
    Ronaldo rose the highest to expertly guide a Luke Shaw cross into the bottom corner at the Stretford End to seal all three points.
    It sees United top Group F at the halfway point of the group stages after being bottom at half time.
    And next up for the Red Devils is a huge clash against fierce rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
    They then travel to Tottenham before flying to Bergamo for the reverse clash against Atalanta on November 2.
    La Dea meanwhile are in action against Udinese, Sampdoria and Lazio before the hosting the Red Devils.
    That’s all from us for now though.
    Thanks for joining us, it’s been a pleasure.
    MORE FROM SOLSKJAER
    The United boss also says: “I thought we played well and then out of nothing they scored the first goal.
    “And then another set play, a goal, but they never stopped believing.
    “They kept on going, made a few mistakes yes but we kept going.”
    OLE’S ANALYSIS
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has this to say about the match winner Ronaldo: “He’s great in front of goal.
    “And if anyone wants to criticise him for attitude or effort, just watch this game.”
    GIVE US YER SHIRT
    The pitch invader did in fact get a handful of Ronaldo’s shirt before being wrestled to the ground.
    In the end he was marched away empty handed after giving CR7 a fright.

    FULL TIME SCENES
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows just how big a win that is.
    Instead of ending the night bottom of Group F they go into the reverse game against Atalanta as group leaders.
    And it also creates good momentum ahead of Sunday’s mouthwatering clash against bitter rivals Liverpool.

    SKIPPER SPEAKS
    Here are the full time thoughts of Harry Maguire: “The first half we conceded two bad goals, two big moments in the game.
    “Obviously they played a quick free kick for the first [which] caught us out again.
    “And then the set play which we shouldn’t be conceding [from].
    “We actually created a lot of chances in the first half so we knew coming in at half time that the next goal would be crucial.
    “We got the goal that we needed, what we deserved and in the end I think we deserved the victory.”
    FULL TIME WHISTLE
    And you could see what it meant to CR7 when the full time whistle blew.
    He dropped to his knees in celebration when the three points were confirmed.

    COMEBACK COMPLETE
    Ronaldo even ditched his trademark ‘siu’ celebration in favour of a emotion filled knee slide.

    PITCH INVASION
    One fan tries to get a hand on Ronaldo’s shirt at full time but was stopped by stewards just before he reached the match winner.

    STAT ATTACK
    United were a different side after the break, and it shows in the match stats.
    The Red Devils managed 22 efforts by the end of the game, with nine of those on target.
    Whatever Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said at half time clearly worked.

    BOTTOM TO TOP
    After being BOTTOM of Group F at half time, Manchester United finish MatchDay Three as group leaders.

    VIVA RONALDO
    What more can you say about Cristiano Ronaldo?
    He did it late on against Villarreal last time out, and he did it again tonight.
    Here’s a look at his winning goal.
    It’s a trademark CR7 header.
    CRISTIANOOOOO RONALDOOOO!! 🙌He always has to have his say, and he’s come up with another big goal for Man Utd in the Champions League!From 0-2 down to 3-2 up! pic.twitter.com/hF5p1R3d4D— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 20, 2021

    FT: MAN UTD 3-2 ATALANTA
    What a HUGE win that is for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer!
    Cristiano Ronaldo sinks to his knees in delight as the full time whistle blows.
    He might just have saved Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his job tonight.
    After being booed off at half time Manchester United have come from 2-0 down to win 3-2!
    A famous night at Old Trafford.
    PEEEEEEEEEEP!
    IT IS FULL TIME!
    MAN UTD 3-2 ATALANTA!
    MAN UTD 3-2 ATALANTA
    94. United survive, just, as Cristiano Ronaldo hacks the ball clear.
    Surely that’s full time!
    MAN UTD 3-2 ATALANTA
    94. Maybe not.
    Cavani is the latest man in the book for an arm to the face of Malinovskiy.
    And it will be a free kick to Atalanta on the right hand side.
    Surely not…
    MAN UTD 3-2 ATALANTA
    94. Maehle is the target of a long ball forward from Zappacosta.
    It’s too far in front of the wing-back though and bounces out for a throw-in.
    That might be that.
    MAN UTD 3-2 ATALANTA
    93. Matic works his way into the book for timewasting.
    He won’t care one bit though.
    MAN UTD 3-2 ATALANTA
    92. United are seeing the game out professionally now.
    And they’ve got the ball exactly where they want it.
    Luke Shaw wins a free kick in the Atalanta corner.
    MAN UTD 3-2 ATALANTA
    91. Ooooooh Ronaldo gets away with one there.
    De Roon steals in and pokes the ball away from him high up the pitch.
    Ronaldo drops to the ground though and earns his side a free kick, with De Roon in disbelief at the decision.
    It is a bizarre one, he cleanly took the ball there.
    MAN UTD 3-2 ATALANTA
    90. The fourth official indicates four minutes of added time.
    Four minutes for the Red Devils to survive.
    MAN UTD 3-2 ATALANTA
    89. United survive – to huge cheers from the home crowd!
    Not long left to hold out now.
    MAN UTD 3-2 ATALANTA
    89. Matic comes on to defend the corner, replacing Fred.
    He’s immediately involved and gets his head on the delivery.
    The sub can only divert it away for another corner though…
    MAN UTD 3-2 ATALANTA
    88. Hang on, it’s not done yet!
    Maehle wins a corner on the right after Cavani decides to try and back-heel the ball clear.
    It’s a bizarre decision that backfires on the Uruguayan.
    A chance for the visitors here.
    They couldn’t, could they?
    MAN UTD 3-2 ATALANTA
    87. The corner is worked short as Atalanta go to sleep momentarily.
    They manage to recover though and head clear when the ball is crossed in by Ronaldo.
    The Italians look beaten.
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    Chelsea 4 Malmo 0 LIVE REACTION: Lukaku AND Werner forced off injured as Blues run riot – latest updates

    CHELSEA beat Malmo 4-0 in the Champions League but were dealt injury blows as Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner went off injured.
    Kick-off time: 8pm
    TV/ live stream: BT Sport 3
    Chelsea: Chelsea, Mendy, Christensen, Rudiger, T Silva, Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kante, Mount, Chilwell, Lukaku, Werner.
    Malmo: Dahlin, Larsson, Nielsen, Brorsson, Berget, Pena, Innocent, Christiansen, Olsson, Colak, Birmancevic.

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    Follow ALL of the updates below…
    PLAYER RATINGS
    HERE is how Simon Phillips rated the Chelsea players tonight.

    TUCHEL ON INJURIES
    “I can tell you what you maybe saw, we had a twist of the ankle for Romelu and a muscle injury for Timo. They will be out for some days, I guess.
    “We were in a good place injury wise with only Pulisic out. We have a lot of games to play and competitions so now we have to deal with it and find solutions. No excuses.”
    CHELSEA BOSS THOMAS TUCHEL
    “We wanted three points and got them.
    “We played an excellent game. 4-0 was well deserved. We are very happy but we have another game in three days.”
    AS IT STANDS
    I said that’s not the worst news for Chelsea, because they’ve moved clear of Zenit in second place.
    A repeat of these results on matchday four would put Chelsea on the brink of qualification.
    And they’ve already beaten Zenit once this season, remember.

    ELSEWHERE
    Manchester United have come from 2-0 down at half-time to beat Atalanta 3-2 with a stunning turnaround.
    Cristiano Ronaldo scored a late winner to send Old Trafford into raptures. How they needed that.
    And Juventus have also struck late to beat Zenit St Petersburg in the other game in this group. That’s not the worst news for Chelsea.
    .Credit: AFP
    RAIN DANCE
    Good luck to those Chelsea fans making it home tonight in this weather, it’s absolutely lashing down in west London.
    It’s been a night of late drama across Europe. Stay right there and I’ll tell you all about it.
    FT: CHELSEA 4-0 MALMO
    Three points for Chelsea.
    Four goals, two from the penalty spot, and a comfortable night at the office for Thomas Tuchel’s men.
    Malmo stuck to their task but were not in Chelsea’s league.
    Christensen, Havertz and two penalties from Jorginho were the difference on the night.
    The only sour point will be the injuries to Lukaku and Werner which will hopefully not be too serious.
    .Credit: AFP
    CHELSEA 4-0 MALMO
    90, Two minutes of added time.
    CHELSEA 4-0 MALMO
    87, Havertz wins a free-kick which Rudiger really fancies.
    He takes a huge run up and smashes it towards goal with everything he has.
    Towards goal is probably not the right term.
    The ball sails high and wide into the stands and Rudiger has a big smile on his face.
    CHELSEA 4-0 MALMO
    84, Tuchel is still up and giving instructions with some frantic hand gestures.
    I’d be sitting down and keeping dry, but then I’m not a football manager.
    Five minutes plus added time to go. Malmo’s nightmare is almost over.
    CHELSEA 4-0 MALMO
    81, Mount tries his hardest to keep the ball in play, and in the end goes sliding across the slick turf and collides with a steward who was turned the other way.
    VAR might look at that. No they won’t, it’s just a joke.
    .Credit: Rex
    CHELSEA 4-0 MALMO
    79, Christensen being urged to shooooot from 25 yards.
    He’s got one goal tonight after eight years of trying, why not go for another?
    He didn’t just for the record.
    CHELSEA 4-0 MALMO
    74, Reece James looking bright and inventive and is just stopped in his tracks as he looks to force his way into the box.
    It’s very much a 5-3-2 for Malmo now to just try and get to the end here.
    CHELSEA 4-0 MALMO
    70, Twenty minutes to go and Chelsea look to be going through the motions now.
    Malmo sticking to their defensive task but a well and truly beaten team.
    They’ve lost 3-0 and 4-0 so far in this group and will hope they don’t concede again and go one worse here.
    CHELSEA 4-0 MALMO
    66, Changes for Chelsea.
    Saul Niguez gets a game, he comes on to replace Kante.
    On also comes James with Azpilicueta given an early night.
    Ben Chilwell is the other man withdrawn early and Marcos Alonso on in his place.
    Jorginho takes the captain’s armband from Azpilicueta, for those keeping tabs on that kind of thing.
    .Credit: EPA
    CHELSEA 4-0 MALMO
    64, Back-to-back corners is about as much as we’ve seen from Malmo as an attacking force tonight.
    But Larsen has fired his shot from the angle well over the bar to end that rare excursion forward.
    CHELSEA 4-0 MALMO
    61, We could be seeing some changes for Chelsea now.
    Kovacic and James among the subs warming up.
    Chelsea have already made two subs, remember, with the first-half injuries to Lukaku and Werner. But they have three more at their disposal.
    CHELSEA 4-0 MALMO
    57, A little skip and he dinks it down the middle again. Excellent from Jorginho.
    Malmo were caught on the ball in their own area and in the end it was a cynical foul on Rudiger to concede the penalty.
    Floodgates well and truly open… sorry, I can’t help these water puns, the weather is horrendous.
    Kai Havertz celebrates Chelsea’s third goal in the driving rainCredit: EPA
    GOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLL!!!
    And Jorginho has his second from the spot. 4-0.
    CHELSEA 3-0 MALMO
    55, PENALTY to Chelsea.
    Rudiger finds himself one-on-one and doesn’t quite know what ti do. In the end he’s bundled over from behind.
    Another easy decision.
    CHELSEA 3-0 MALMO
    52, How many will this be for Chelsea?
    Malmo came out really looking to get back into the game but that third goal has put them back into their shells.
    CHELSEA 3-0 MALMO
    48, Malmo push men forward looking for a way back into the game but they’re caught with a clinical counter attack.
    Hudson-Odoi did most of the work and had Havertz on the outside of him.
    He cut inside with his run then fed it perfectly into the path of Havertz, who clipped it into the far corner with his left foot from a tight angle.
    Lovely goal, and Chelsea are all but home and dry (in the torrential London rain).
    GOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!
    Kai Havertz makes it 3-0! A perfect start to the second half for Chelsea.
    CHELSEA 2-0 MALMO
    46, Those Malmo changes included the goalkeeper Dahlin being replaced by Diawara – not sure if that’s injury related or not.
    And up front Abubakari has replaced Birmancevic.
    PEEEEEEEPPPPPP
    Underway again in the second half at a very wet West London.
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    Man Utd ratings: Cristiano Ronaldo steals the show with late winner v Atalanta while Greenwood has night to forget in CL

    MANCHESTER UNITED came from 2-0 down to beat Atalanta 3-2 in a remarkable Champions League comeback at Old Trafford.Cristiano Ronaldo shone from the front and deserved the winning goal he got with nine minutes to go but Mason Greenwood had a night to forget.
    Cristiano Ronaldo was superb before he stole the headlines again with his late winnerCredit: Getty
    But Mason Greenwood had an evening to forget at Old TraffordCredit: EPA
    Chelsea rejects Davide Zappacosta and Mario Pasalic combined after quarter-of-an-hour with the latter stabbing home from close range to put Atalanta 1-0 up.
    And United’s evening went from bad to worse as Merih Demiral got between Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire to head in a corner just before the half-hour mark.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was under severe pressure before the game but whatever he said at half-time might just have saved his job as United completed a remarkable second-half comeback.
    Marcus Rashford converted an exquisite Bruno Fernandes pass before Maguire fired home on 75 minutes to make it 2-2.
    And of course, it was that man Ronaldo who stole the headlines on 81 minutes when he leaped like a salmon to head home Shaw’s excellent cross to make it 3-2.
    Here’s what SunSport’s William Pugh thought of United’s individual performances.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men came from behind to win 3-2 to relieve the pressure on the NorwegianCredit: Reuters
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    DAVID DE GEA – 7/10
    Couldn’t do much with either of Atalanta’s first two goals – both of which were scored from close range.
    Made a phenomenal double save with 20 minutes to go to keep United in it and save Lindelof’s blushes after he was turned by Duvan Zupata.
    David De Gea could do nothing with Atalanta’s goals and was solid when called upon from then onCredit: Getty
    AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 5
    Uninspiring. But neat and tidy. As always.
    Offered very little going forward but was up against it when defending as Greenwood in front of him offered zero in support.
    VICTOR LINDELOF – 4
    Dragged out of position then caught flat-footed as Zappacosta whipped the ball in for Pasalic to stab home and put the visitors 1-0 up.
    Turned much too easily by Zupata midway through the second-half and only a fantastic double save from De Gea prevented Atalanta going 3-1 up.
    Showed why United signed Raphael Varane.
    Victor Lindelof showed why Man Utd signed Raphael Varane in the summerCredit: Getty
    HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
    Could have reacted quicker for Demiral’s goal.
    Was the spare man in the area the goal was scored from so would have been expected to do more to prevent it.
    Excellent movement and a finish any top striker would be proud of to make it 2-2.
    LUKE SHAW – 4
    Was out of position in the build up to Atalanta’s opener which came down his flank.
    Was supposed to be marking Demiral but was shaken off easily before the centre-back rose to head the visitors 2-0 up.
    Booked for a body check on Zappacosta just past the hour mark.
    As good as made amends for a shaky defensive display by providing a pin-point cross for Ronaldo to nod home the winner.
    Merih Demiral got between Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire to head Atalanta 2-0 upCredit: Getty
    SCOTT McTOMINAY – 5 (subbed 65 mins)
    Failed to track Pasalic’s run for the opener.
    Somehow hit the post from barely six yards just before the hour mark as the ball cannoned of his shin.
    Looked a little overrun in midfield but him and Fred were victims of the overly attacking lineup. Hooked on 65 minutes.
    Mario Pasalic got away from Scott McTominay to poke Atalanta 1-0 upCredit: EPA
    FRED – 6 (subbed 88mins)
    Unfortunate to see his powerful volley saved after 20 minutes as United tried to make it 1-1.
    But missed a glaring chance to pull one back for United in the closing stages of the first-half as he curled a right-footed effort past the right-hand post from just inside the penalty area.
    Was left a little exposed by Solskjaer’s 4-2-4 system alongside McTominay but dealt with the challenge as well as he could.
    MASON GREENWOOD – 4 (subbed 72 mins)
    Sluggish, slow and made zero impact before the break.
    Failed to track back and help his side defend when the ball was turned over in a woeful first-half.
    Fizzed a ball across the box after an hour only to see McTominay shin it onto the post from close range.
    Hauled off with 20 minutes to go. An evening to forget.
    Greenwood looked blunt in attack and barely tracked back to held defendCredit: Getty
    BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
    Almost invisible in the first-half.
    And when he did get on the ball, his passing was well off as he continually gave it away or knocked it out of play.
    Livened up after the break and created two clear cut chances within the first 10 minutes – Ronaldo spurned one and Rashford scored the second after a delightful Fernandes pass with the outside of his right foot.
    Will need to perform for 90 minutes against Liverpool next up, not just 45.
    MARCUS RASHFORD – 7 (subbed 65 mins)
    Energetic start on his return to the starting XI but lacked end product and looked rusty until his second-half goal.
    Dawdled when through on goal and allowed Demiral get a last-ditch tackle in as he tried to pull one back with five minutes to go in the first period.
    Cannoned an effort off the bar just minutes later when he really should have scored.
    Got his mojo back eight minutes into the second-half as he slotted into the bottom right corner to make it 2-1.
    Marcus Rashford was welcomed back to the starting XI for the first time since summer shoulder surgeryCredit: AFP
    CRISTIANO RONALDO – 8
    Energetic and mobile and unselfishly linked play to good effect as he tried to make things happen throughout the first-half.
    Smashed a huge chance against the keeper when through on goal just minutes into the second-half.
    Forced a very good save from Juan Musso soon after with a low left-footed effort.
    And did what he does best with nine minutes to go as he leaped like a salmon to nod home Shaw’s inch-perfect cross and complete the comeback.
    Cristiano Ronaldo was man of the match as he scored a late winner again for Man UtdCredit: AP
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Subs
    PAUL POGBA (replaced McTominay) – 6
    Injected some energy as United pushed for the winner.
    EDINSON CAVANI (replaced Rashford) – 6
    Booked for an accidental clash of heads with Jose Palomino.
    JADON SANCHO (replaced Greenwood) – 6
    Solid.
    NEMANJA MATIC (replaced Fred) – 5
    Booked for time wasting.

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    Man Utd booed off at half-time against Atalanta with Cristiano Ronaldo fuming before he scored dramatic winner

    CRISTIANO RONALDO was left fuming with his team-mates against Atalanta in the first half before scoring the winner to complete an incredible comeback.The Red Devils went 2-0 down against their Italian opponents after just 28 minutes following goals from Mario Pasalic and Mehri Demiral.
    Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo was furious with his team-mates during the first halfCredit: AP
    Ronaldo completed an incredible United comeback by scoring the winner late onCredit: Getty
    With pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, his players failed to start strongly as they were being picked apart by the Serie A outfit.
    And Ronaldo let his anger be shown after Demiral headed home from a corner after Harry Maguire allowed him to have a free run.
    The 36-year-old punched the air in frustration as he let out a scream, and fans were quick to pick up on his outburst.
    One user tweeted: “Ronaldo is so angry, Ole is defo gone.”
    Another commented: “I swear i never saw Ronaldo that angry at Juventus.”
    A third added: “Ronaldo is fuming. Sums up the mood of the fans right now.”

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    Meanwhile one posted: “Ronaldo fuming thinking why have I come back to this s*** show.”
    One simply stated: “Ronaldo is frustrated with this United side. He wants Zidane too, I imagine.”
    United legend Paul Scholes refused to hit out at ex-team-mate Solskjaer during the break, instead claiming the formation is to blame.
    The BT Sport pundit said: “I think it’s the formation that’s been bad.
    “Ole said 4-2-4. I don’t care who those two players are in the midfield, when you’re playing against a good European team you’re going to get destroyed.
    “Neither wide player is running back, Bruno Fernandes is making the odd effort to get in and help but they will get destroyed.
    “If Man Utd were playing a really good team here, they could be looking at four or five.”
    Rio Ferdinand added: “I’m like every other fan around the world watching this game… frustrated.

    “Disappointed in that first-half. The players no doubt will be the same but they have got to come out and do something.
    “Ole said before the game that he basically set them up 4-2-4 and said to the front four ‘you’ve got to win it for us’ and the others sit back and defend.
    “That hasn’t been good enough. Something has got to change.”
    United came back fighting in the second, with Marcus Rashford halving the deficit before Maguire equalised.
    And Ronaldo completed the comeback in the 81st minute to spark wild scenes around the Theatre of Dreams.
    Cristiano Ronaldo talks about his love of Nike Mercurial boots More

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    ‘Masterclass’ – Crouch and Lescott rave about Foden after ‘exceptional’ performance in Man City’s win over Brugge

    PHIL FODEN had Peter Crouch and Joleon Lescott praising his stunning effort in Manchester City’s crushing of Brugge in the Champions League.The England ace pulled the strings for Pep Guardiola’s Prem champs as they ran out 5-1 winners against the Belgian club.
    Phil Foden impressed Joleon Lescott and Peter Crouch with his Man City performance against BruggeCredit: Rex
    Crouch reckons Foden’s display was an absolute pleasure to watchCredit: BT Sport
    The Etihad giants broke their opponents’ resistance around the 30-minute mark when Foden, 21, neatly teed up Joao Cancelo for the club’s opener.
    The forward’s pinpoint delivery led to the full-back sprinting through on goal to open up the floodgates for Guardiola’s men.
    Observing from BT Sport’s studio, Crouch said: “We talked about him in those deep areas and I know he’s supposed to be a central striker but when he drops deep it’s an absolute pleasure to watch it really is.
    “I’m enjoying watching him, honestly, he really is (having some fun).
    “When he drops deep it is just an absolute pleasure to watch.
    “Just on the ball, his balance, his weight of pass. He’s popped up in every single position across the front and deep as well and he’s just been an absolute joy.”

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    His fellow pundit and City hero Lescott added: “He’s been given the license to roam obviously but his ability to pick up the ball and drive past players, receive it on the back front, he’s always looking forwards. 
    “He’s always trying to drive and cause problems for the defence. It’s an exceptional half from Phil.”
    City, who are bidding to win their first-ever Champions League crown, doubled their lead minutes before half-time through Riyad Mahrez.
    I just think he can play anywhere on the pitch, but that role deep playing those sorts of passes he is fantasticPeter Crouch
    And the team, who are set for a Saturday evening Prem clash with Brighton, would add three more goals to their tally.
    These came courtesy of a second for Mahrez which followed efforts from Kyle Walker and rising City starlet Cole Palmer.
    But it was Foden’s turnout that particularly caught the eye with the player taking control of the attack in the game.
    And the result saw his side move to second in Group A behind Paris Saint-Germain following a 2-0 loss to the French giants.
    And City will be looking for similar performances from the Three Lions ace with the club hoping to maintain the form that has seen them lose just one of their opening six Prem games this term.
    Crouch, who enjoyed spells as a Tottenham and Liverpool striker added: “I just think he can play anywhere on the pitch, but that role deep playing those sorts of passes he is fantastic.”

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    Man City starlet Cole Palmer also earned plaudits for his shift against BruggeCredit: Rex
    Guardiola comments on Cole Palmer’s performance against Brugge as he becomes 10th youngest English ace to score in Champions League More

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    Atalanta stars woken up SIX times by fire alarms on night before Man Utd clash as Wag fumes at ‘terrible locals’

    ATALANTA’S stars were woken up by fire alarms SIX times as they stayed in Manchester ahead of their Champions League clash with Man Utd on Wednesday.And one Wag took to social media to point the finger at ‘terrible locals’.
    Atalanta stars including Ruslan Malinovskiy were woken up six times by fire alarms in Manchester ahead of their Champions League game at Man UtdCredit: Getty
    Malinovsky’s wife Roksana took to social media to point the finger at ‘terrible locals’
    Roksana Malinovskiy, wife of Atalanta midfielder Ruslan Malinovskiy, appeared to encourage Atalanta fans to subject United’s players to the same treatment when they travel to Italy at the beginning of next month.
    One hotel guest reported hearing alarms at 4:51am, 5am, 5:36am, 6:11am, 6:31am and 7:13am at Atalanta’s Radisson Edwardian hotel base in Manchester on Wednesday morning.
    Gian Piero Gasperini, his staff and players were disturbed by the noise.
    And Roksana wrote: “Hellish night in Manchester.
    “Throughout the night in the hotel the fire alarm was turned on at full power five times.
    “It happened just when the team arrived, and only at night!

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    “Do you think this is an accident? I don’t.
    “Such a ‘warm’ welcome from the local population. Terrible.
    “I hope that our fans will support the team in our home game, and maybe the same thing will suddenly happen in an Italian hotel.”
    Man Utd’s stars arrived at the Hyatt Hotel in Manchester on Wednesday afternoon.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

    United host the Serie A side at Old Trafford and are looking to restore some confidence after a turbulent start that has seen them lose to Young Boys away and snatch a last-gasp victory over Villarreal at home.
    The likes of Harry Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo and Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were pictured making their way to the hotel ahead of a rough schedule.
    SunSport also explored how United might line-up for the fixture with Marcus Rashford likely to start after his shoulder injury.

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    Schmeichel says Sancho will come good at Man Utd but must look at Ronaldo for inspiration More

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    Chelsea vs Malmo FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time, team news for Champions League game

    CHELSEA host Malmo after an underwhelming start to what appeared a straightforward Champions League group.The Blues were pushed all the way by Zenit in their opening game at Stamford Bridge before Romelu Lukaku popped up with a second half winner.
    Romelu Lukaku has scored Chelsea’s only goal of the Champions League so farCredit: Getty
    And they were then beaten 1-0 by Juventus in a match in Turin that was far more comfortable for the hosts than the scoreline suggested.
    Visitors Malmo have yet to impress in this year’s tournament, as they were thumped 3-0 at home by Juventus and 4-0 in St Petersburg by Zenit.
    What time does Chelsea vs Malmo kick off?

    Chelsea take on Malmo on Wednesday, October 20.
    The match kicks off at 8pm UK time – 9pm in Sweden.
    It will be played at Stamford Bridge.
    The sides last met in the Europa League in 2019, with Chelsea recording a 4-0 aggregate win after triumphing 2-1 in Sweden and 3-0 in West London.

    What TV channel is Chelsea vs Malmo on and can I live stream it?

    Chelsea vs Malmo is live on BT Sport 3.
    Coverage commences at 7.15pm – 45 minutes before kick-off.
    To stream the game live, head to the BT Sport website or app.

    Can I watch Chelsea vs Malmo for free?

    EE customers can get BT Sport INCLUDED to their plan at no extra cost if they are on a plan with Smart Benefits – simply log in to EE and choose BT Sport app.
    And then get it on the big screen by texting SPORT to 150 to get a FREE three-month trial of large screen so you can cast all the action on your TV.
    At the end of the three months you will automatically roll onto the £15 per month subscription unless cancelled.

    Team news
    Antonio Rudiger is set to miss out with a back problem but Thiago Silva will return after missing the game at Brenford having played for Brazil on Thursday evening.
    Christian Pulisic is out with an ankle injury while Hakim Ziyech is a doubt due to illness.
    Anel Ahmedhodzic is suspended for Malmo after getting sent off at Zenit with Niklas Moisander expected to replace him.
    Oscar Lewicki, Jonas Knudsen, Ola Toivonen and Felix Beijmo are all out for the Swedes.
    Latest odds
    Chelsea 1/14
    Draw 10/1
    Malmo 35/1
    *Odds from Betfair correct as of Tuesday, October 19. More