Manchester United conceded a dramatic stoppage-time goal to lose to Swiss side Young Boys despite Cristiano Ronaldo scoring on his Champions League return for the Red Devils on Tuesday, September 14th, 2021.
Ronaldo, who became the joint all-time Champions League appearance holder on his 177th appearance in the competition, fired United ahead after a pass from fellow Portuguese Bruno Fernandes.
United looked comfortable thereafter, but then on 35 minutes Aaron Wan-Bissaka overstretched pursuing his own poor touch, leaving studs on Christopher Martins’ foot, and was shown a straight red card for his trouble.
Cameroon winger Moumi Ngamaleu’s snatched the equalizer for the hosts before a 95th-minute mistake by substitute Jesse Lingard – who had replaced Ronaldo with 18 minutes left – allowed Jordan Siebatcheu to score the winner for the team that had to come through qualifying to reach the group stage.
The home fans celebrated wildly while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was left to reflect on a performance which saw United muster just two shots, the fewest Opta have on record in any of their 138 Champions League matches since 2003-04.
Having missed out on qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition last season, United now host Villarreal in their next Group F game on 29 September in a repeat of last season’s Europa League final.
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