Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic reveals half-time talk vs Atletico Madrid in the Champions League tie
Speaking to the club’s official channel MUTV after the 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United star Nemanja Matic said that the side discussed controlling possession more during the half-time break in the game last night.
United went into the break a goal down, after a flying Joao Felix header in the first 10 minutes of the game ensured that Atletico had the upper hand in the opening half of the fixture. Our players could not cope with the opposition’s energy levels, as we fell flat in our performances in the first half.
The second half was a welcome change however, as Matic said the team looked more solid in the latter stages as they pulled back an equaliser towards the end of the game to head back to Manchester with the Champions League tie evenly poised.
“I think in the second half, we were much better, much more solid and we scored that goal which gave us positive feelings.”
Anthony Elanga was the hero on the night, as the teenager scored United’s goal within five minutes of coming on. Bruno Fernandes played the winger through on goal to have him face Jan Oblak one on one, and Elanga did the rest as he continued his fine run in the first team this season.
More control
It was clear to see that the team needed more control after the break, and changes were made as 5 substitutes were introduced in the second half – amongst which one was Matic. The experienced star brought more solidity to the middle of the pitch since his introduction.
The Serbian said that at halftime, they discussed taking more control of the game after going a goal down and seeing Atletico end the half with more chances. Clearly, the half-time talk seemed to be well heeded by the United players as they looked a better team in the closing stages of the game.
“They had more control, they were leading and they had more chances in the first half. We said OK, let’s regroup, let’s see what we can with the ball because we didn’t control enough when we were in possession.”
The 33-year-old was brought on after the hour mark in a triple change, as he took to the field alongside fellow substitutes Alex Telles and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in an inspired change by United to settle things down on the field. The second half saw a remarkable change from the performance in the first half, eventually leading to the goal.
Matic is one of the most experienced players in the Red Devils’ squad, and the former Chelsea man knows exactly how to take charge of proceedings and respond when his team needs him. Despite not starting the match, the second-half substitute was influential in the midfield after coming on and changed the tide in United’s favour.
More Manchester United News
- Fabrizio Romano plays down negotiations between Manchester United star Paul Pogba and other interested parties
- Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani could make the switch to Botafogo
- Borussia Dortmund could sell Manuel Akanji next summer amidst Manchester United interest
The Round of 16 tie is now evenly poised, and there is all to play for in the return leg at Old Trafford. Given this is our only shot at a trophy this season, we will need to give it our all in the Champions League and see just how deep we can run in the competition over the next few months.
Matic was crucial to United’s much-improved performance in the second half, and it will be interesting to see if the Serb gets to start against Atletico in the second leg of the tie in Manchester. We can be glad that at 33, the midfielder is still able to put in a strong performance and take charge of our midfield when called upon.
