Manchester United play a big game, their star players fail to perform as they are outfought and outthought by their opponents and, as surely as night follows day, they lose. The same thing happened when United were knocked out of the competition in the round of 16 by Atleti Madrid. You will know that United have not won a home game in the knockout rounds of the competition since the start of the last century. After emerging from the group stage, they have only scored one goal at Old United. Renan Lodi's 41st minute goal on Tuesday was the latest blow to Manchester United, who have been knocked to the canvas more times than they care to remember since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. There are no surprises anymore with United. It will take more than a new manager and another cultural reset this summer to get the club back on track. But how did this happen? Over the past 10 years, United has spent more money than any other team. The two clubs have won many major trophies in return for their investment, but United has not won a trophy in five years. Spending money is one thing, but making it pay a dividend is another, and that was the main reason why United were knocked out of the Spanish league on Tuesday. The club's biggest game of the season was started by Paul Pogba on the bench because he couldn't be trusted to be disciplined enough defensively. When is the quarterfinals draw?
- Ronaldo facing first trophyless season in over a decade
The most expensive defender in the world was taken off in the closing stages because he felt it was a safer bet to take him.
The 50 million dollar right-back did not even get off the bench, despite being regarded as a liability when he has the ball.
Marcus Rashford has become one of the club's biggest stars since he was developed by the club's youth system. He started on the bench after a long time out of form.
In a game that was crucial to United's hopes of winning a trophy and getting into the playoffs, Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford andissaka were all named.
It is an indictment of the club's wastefulness in the transfer market and proof of their inability to make them perform or improve on the training ground when a manager is unable to rely on his biggest players in the biggest games.
It wouldn't be right to blame the person for that. The German coach has only been at United for three months, but he has been able to get the best out of Fred and Jadon Sancho. Wan-Bissaka has been replaced by Diogo Dalot because of Rangnick's faith in Anthony Elanga.
You need your best players to show up against a team that has been in the competition before. The players have been letting United down for a long time.
The others are paying the price for a lack of coaching and development during Solskjaer's three-year tenure, while the others struggled to get the best from Paul.
This isn't breaking news because so many players are in a deep-rooted problem. Four years ago or even further back, the same could have been said about the failed spells of Louis van Gaal and David Moyes.
The talent and personality of United's best players have been taken away by the club, and nothing will change until that changes.
It was never in doubt that the victory was never in doubt because United, once again, stuck to their miserable script.
The California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) permits California residents, or their authorized agents, to opt out of the “sale” of their personal information to third parties. The CCPA defines the term “sale” broadly, and it may include sharing certain information for particular advertising purposes. We never sell personal information to third parties for money. Please visit Your California Privacy Rights for more information about California residents’ rights and our privacy practices.It's necessary to provide this service or other features.
There is a sale of personal data.
When you visit this website, we and our partners may collect certain information about you, your devices, and your behavior, and this information to third parties to provide you with certain advertising on this site and across the web tailored to you. You can opt out of certain advertising on this site by using the opt out button above. Your choice will not apply to any other property if you opt out on this website. Each website of the Walt Disney Family of Companies has an opt out button. You can change your opt out selection at any time by clicking the link on this site. You must use this link to exercise your opt out on third parties engaging in their own sales as defined by the CCPA. If you opt out of personal information being used for advertising, you can still see ads that are tailored to you and your interests. Certain data collection activities can be controlled by you or your authorized agent. Do Not Sell My Personal Information Rights is a website where you can learn more.