Manchester United 3-2 Atalanta: 5 talking points as Ronaldo inspires thrilling comeback win | UEFA Champions League 2021-22

#3 Juan Musso shines for Atalanta

Musso showed why Atalanta signed him.

His Manchester United number eventually had the last laugh, but Atalanta's Juan Musso was impressive in goal on the night. The Argentinian made several key blocks and saves, which prevented Manchester United from running away with the game.

Musso denied Ronaldo once in each half to frustrate the star, with Fernandes also saw an effort smothered by the Argentine late on. But the former Udinese man's fingertip save on Fred in the first half took the cake.

With the hosts on the front foot, Musso had to remain vigilant, and he didn't disappoint. He delivered a goalkeeping masterclass despite getting tormented by United.

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#2 Manchester United leave it late once again

Manchester United's second-half performance was as good as their first-half was poor.

Following a stoppage-time victory over Villarreal in their last Champions League game, Manchester United needed another 81 minutes to find the match-winner against Atalanta.

United showed excellent character in the face of adversity. But their overall performance left a lot to be desired, especially in defence, which has become an Achilles heel lately.

They may be grinding out results without being at their best, picking up important wins. But such a ploy isn't going to work in the long run. If they are serious about winning titles, they must add a ruthless streak to their game.

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#1 Cristiano Ronaldo - the greatest match-winner of all time?

Cristiano Ronaldo was the hero for Manchester United again.

How many times has he done this now? Cristiano Ronaldo's record of scoring late winners, or winners in general, is unparalleled, making him arguably the greatest match-winner of all time.

There's something about the Champions League that brings out those moments from Ronaldo more often. It wasn't long ago, after all, when he scored a stoppage-time winner for Manchester United against Villarreal.

It was turning out to be another frustrating night for the star in front of goal, although his overall performance was encouraging. He missed a few shots and saw others saved or parried away by Musso.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo's persistence eventually paid off, bagging an 81st-minute winner to complete United's comeback. After his arch-nemesis Lionel Messi produced late heroics in the PSG game, Ronaldo responded in kind.