The Champions League. Football doesn't get much better. Bern was the opening destination for the United contingent last night, with Young Boys participating in their second group stage campaign amongst Europe's elite. They opened affairs in Switzerland against United three years ago too, with the reds managing the double over the 15-time Swiss champions in 2018. After the pandemic robbed fans from seeing European action last season and for part of the season prior, the sight of a packed and sound of a bouncing Wankdorf Stadium was some spectacle.
Cristiano Ronaldo was named amongst the starters for United again, in hand equalling former teammate Iker Casillas' record for most Champions League appearances. Donny van de Beek got a rare start (alongside Fred) after playing his first minutes of the fresh season against Newcastle, with Victor Lindelof preferred to Raphael Varane at the back.
It was admittedly a slow start from United, lacking early quality amidst the concoction of Swiss noise. Within little time, however, the visiting side did shift into gear. An opener came in due course, assisted by a marvelling Bruno Fernandes outside foot cross. The delivery met Ronaldo's wicked run, with the ultimate finish squeezed beneath David von Ballmoos. It's three goals in two matches for the returning Portuguese man, with the connection between him and compatriot Fernandes already brimming.
United somewhat got into their groove, but not without Young Boys also engineering some semi-decent opportunities. David de Gea was forced into action on more than one occasion, with some real end-to-end exchanges. United often ceded possession slightly too easily, halting any clear attacking charges and gifting Young Boys some joy.
Regardless, the reds - sporting their classy retro-inspired away kit - didn't look like giving up their lead. However, things took an unfortunate twist around the half hour mark. Unintentionally but nonetheless inexcusably, Aaron Wan-Bissaka was shown a straight red card for an out of control studs-up challenge following a loose and heavy touch. It was the right back's first dismissal for United.
Solskjaer immediately opted for a tactical switch, with the uninfluential Jadon Sancho hooked to facilitate the introduction of deputy right back Diogo Dalot. Nevertheless, United still struggled to adapt to the player deficit as the half drew to a close. Christian Fassnacht immediately squandered a good chance to equalise subsequent to the incident, with United forced to work doubly as hard. The momentum shift was blatant, and the Swiss support sensed that.
It was another day to forget for Van de Beek, withdrawn at halftime in order for Raphael Varane to enter the fray in the centre of a back three. Yesterday marked the Dutchman's 38th appearance for the club but - having played only 1,510 minutes for the club - he now averages a mere 40 minutes of gametime per match he has played.
Solskjaer's intention was blatant - he primarily wanted to place huge defensive emphasis on the second half system. The defensive organisation was noticeably far improved compared to the end of the first half, with the five-man defence helping to compensate for the lack of a player. On the rare occasions that United found themselves in possession, the predominant intention was to hold the ball. However, it was a colossal struggle to maintain any sort of foothold. All in all, United proved willing just to sit off the ball in the hope that a break may materialise in the form of Ronaldo. The only occasion that he found himself through, he went to ground in the box yet failed to win a penalty.
For around 20 minutes, United did provide sufficiently compact resistance against the Young Boys pummelling - forcing some wayward efforts from range with the help of Varane's class after his introduction. Eventually, the extra man was telling and Young Boy's managed to rupture United's resilience. A low ball from the right evaded Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire, with the eager Moumi Ngamaleu getting the final touch ahead of Varane.
The volume of the home support was notched up even further as belief continued to grow amongst the crowd and players alike. Hampered by the earlier red card, United really struggled to come close to matching their opposition. It was all Young Boys, with the travelling side entirely unable to shift the ball upfield. Fernandes and Ronaldo were withdrawn in due course, with the manager keen to protect the pair whilst reinforcing and stabilising what was at his disposal on the pitch; Nemanja Matic provided support for Fred (who impressed under the circumstances), whilst Jesse Lingard was tasked with offering additional energy.
With the approach now even more passive given Lingard was the only attacker left on the pitch, pressure was continuously invited by United. He did offer a bright spark, but was ultimately the man who cost us a hard fought point at the death of injury time. It was a moment to forget for the final goalscorer against Newcastle, with his backpass far too timid to reach De Gea (the intended target). Jordan Siebatcheu was played clean through, simply beating the United goalkeeper with essentially the final kick of the match.
The Wankdorf Stadium erupted like it had never before, reminding everybody just how integral the presence of fans is to our sport. As for United, well, it's another avoidable Champions League defeat against an opponent who should in theory be beaten rather routinely. The two shots managed by Solskjaer's side is the fewest managed by United in 138 matches in the competition since the 2003/04 season; the final effort came in the 25th minute, with both attempts from Ronaldo. Young Boys managed a superior 19 shots, with 11 coming in the second half in which they amassed a substantial 69% possession. Solskjaer has still only overseen a single clean sheet in 12 Champions League matches during his tenure.
It's likely the outcome wouldn't have been the same without the first half red card, though it's nonetheless another needless defeat in the Champions League - very reminiscent of the forgettable night in Istanbul almost a year ago. Forgettable is the key word again to kick off this European campaign.
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