Twitter erupts as 10-man Manchester United suffer 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo did not travel with the squad for the clash

Manchester United tasted defeat for the first time under new manager Erik ten Hag after their 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid during their pre-season friendly in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Red Devils were also without influential winger Jadon Sancho, who missed the game after falling sick the previous night. Meanwhile, new signings Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez started on the bench for the Red Devils.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was linked with a transfer to Atletico Madrid this summer, did not travel to Norway for the clash after returning to pre-season late due to family reasons. The Portuguese, however, has claimed he will play against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in United's final pre-season game before Premier League kicks off.

⏹ The Reds are narrowly beaten in Oslo.

#MUFC

Despite the absence of two key players, Ten Hag's men started positively. Marcus Rashford cut in from the left and forced a good low diving save from Jan Oblak in the early stages of the game.

Anthony Martial has been in stellar form during pre-season and as such, it was a surprise to see him launch his shot over the cross-bar after being one-on-one with Oblak a few minutes later.

Atletico Madrid offered very little going forward for the majority of the first half, with Diego Simeone's men firmly on the back foot. However, the La Liga club turned things around in the second half.

Slowly but steadily, Atletico grew in confidence. Saul Niguez squandered a gilt-edged chance after coming off the bench, but they were soon ahead.

Joao Felix found the back of the net with a neat finish in the 86th minute, crushing Manchester United's hopes of getting something out of the game.

It just looks right 😎

🔴 @ChrisEriksen8

#MUFC https://t.co/JhMWjGZFV9

To make matters worse, Red Devils midfielder Fred picked up a second yellow card in stoppage time for his foul on Alvaro Morata. Soon after the sending off, the referee blew the final whistle, much to the disappointment of Manchester United.

Despite it being a pre-season friendly, Ten Hag will be bitterly disappointed with the outcome. The Dutch tactician will rue the missed chances early on, but can still take a few positives from the game.

Eriksen, in particular, proved a treat to watch after coming off the bench for Manchester United, while Tyrell Malacia also produced a commendable effort. On that note, here are some of the best reactions to the game as the Red Devils fell to a defeat in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo:

United definitely needs a right back that can actually defend, Dalot just doesn't cut it at all. Nice game by the boys, though could have gotten at least 2 goals if they were clinical.

Malacia has the left back position locked down, impressive.

#MUFC #mufctour2022 #MUNATM https://t.co/tcS0ThfMIQ

Not at all concerned by the result. There's work to do but many positives, that's what pre-season is about. #MUFC became more vulnerable when they switched from 4231 to 433, Ten Hag will note that. A good run-out for Eriksen. Really stupid by Fred at the end. #MUNATM

Athletico Madrid humbling Manchester United on Competitive and Pre Season game? They own that finished club 😂😂 #MUNATM

Manchester United is a joke of a club🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 #MUNATM

Felix is just too good
Dakota should improve on his defending
Good game utd
#MUNATM https://t.co/JU1z3wapVY

Scott McTominay vs Atletico Madrid
#MUNATM #FootballWithDME https://t.co/KeYbQ7FFRF

Pellistri did more in 10mins then Elanga did in 80mims. Quality young player #MUNATM

Reality check folks.
Quality players are needed in forward positions.
More passing drills are needed before the season starts.
Overall McFred and Maguire did well so you can't blame them today.
#MUNATM #MUTOUR22

Manchester United fans hacked google 😂
#MUNATM #FootballWithDME https://t.co/J3VyFttp5Z

Different season, same Manchester United.
We actually needs overhaul. What's the essence of keeping the ball without scoring. We need to learn out to play against low block Team, Atletico Madrid is a good test. We need new signings.
#MUFC
#MUNATM

Harry Maguire played absolutely well against Atletico Madrid today, made some important clearances, and played some key passes forward. But, since we lost, I except some biased United fans to make him the villain as usual. #MUFC

#MUNATM

If you watched today's match against Atletico Madrid you'd understand why ETH wants Cristiano Ronaldo to stay... He knows #MUNATM

It only took Jao Filex one chance to score the goal.. coaching methods have changed, but players are not good enough upfront same lazy Martial & Rashford! They have to bring Ronaldo back! #MUNATM #MUFC

Difference in class shows in the end.. we played well but the ATM squad has many players that can make a difference compared to our squad. Need a few more players in (quality ones) #MUNATM

If this is the team starting against Brighton, we are absolutely screwed
#MUNATM

I thought this season we will be tough after beating Small teams but after watching this match I see we worse than last season 🫤🫤 #MUNATM

We can’t go anywhere with McTominay and Elanga. Very poor performance from these two #MUNATM

Good game today, if Ronaldo played we probably would of scored 2 or 3 goals but we played well overall. It was a good test for us, I was getting a bit frustrated in times now roll on tomorrow.#MUNATM #MUFC

I really wanted to watch Garner play instead of McTominay, Today would’ve been a really good test for him. We would’ve seen his level and know if he’s good to stay or needs more loan time. #MUNATM

You can't force player that are not good to be good. #MUNATM