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‘Wonderful’… Atalanta manager Gasperini praises Manchester United star who changed the game
Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to score a memorable headed goal for Manchester United
It was a memorable moment that would not have been possible if David de Gea had not kept United in the game.
With United leading 2-1, De Gea made a crucial double save before Harry Maguire equalized, setting up Ronaldo’s winner.
Gian Piero Gasperini, the manager of Atalanta, was irritated by his team’s defeat.
Gasperini was quoted by Football Italia after the game about how De Gea’s save changed the course of the game.
The Atalanta boss said: “I don’t know if we couldn’t have done more. Of course, we believed, but in an environment like this it just takes a spark to get them fired up again.
“We had the sensation we were holding out, we went very close to going 3-1 up and their goalkeeper made a wonderful double save, then the 2-2 happened.”
Gasperini admitted that Atalanta were not the only team to be defeated by a comeback at Old Trafford.
He said: “Manchester United comebacks and late wins are typical at Old Trafford, I’ve lost count of how many times they’ve done it here, so it’s a characteristic of theirs.”
He is cautiously optimistic about the rematch, adding: “The second leg is going to be tough, as they are so dangerous when spaces open up, but we showed tonight that we can have our say in this group and at this level.”
United saw enough of Atalanta to understand how difficult the game in Italy will be.
It’s likely to be another open game, and United will go there looking to win, but they’ll be up against the fans.
In the second half, the Old Trafford crowd was massive. Atalanta will be hoping for a similar result in Italy.
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‘Wonderful’… Atalanta manager Gasperini praises Manchester United star who changed the game
