UEFA Champions League:<\/b> Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick believes his side missed an opportunity to get a positive result against Atletico Madrid, saying the game was there to win despite a 2-0 defeat in the UEFA Champions League group stage on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
United conceded within the opening minute as Pablo Barrios put Atletico ahead after Giuliano Simeone collected a long ball and set up the midfielder to score with a side-footed finish.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the early setback, Manchester United created several opportunities to get back into the contest, with Carrick pointing to four big chances his team failed to convert against Diego Simeone\u2019s side.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe game was really close and in the balance; take away that first minute which is a goal \u2013 obviously a major part of it \u2013 but take away that, and we were right in the game going through the second half, and I thought there was a really big finish for us,\u201d Carrick told reporters after the match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere are probably not many teams that would come here and have those chances against them (Atletico), so we\u2019ve done a lot of things good tonight,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
United threatened through Bryan Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford before Atletico had a goal by Johnny Cardoso ruled out following a VAR review for an earlier handball by Marcos Llorente. Julian Alvarez also struck the post early in the second half.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Carrick felt his team grew into the contest after the difficult start but rued their inability to make their opportunities count.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe had four big chances, big opportunities, and the game can look very different. They were really good opportunities as well; they weren\u2019t just little half ones,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
United\u2019s task became more difficult when defender Leny Yoro was sent off in the 74th minute for a last-man foul following a VAR review. Atletico took advantage of their numerical superiority, with Ademola Lookman doubling the lead in the 79th minute after goalkeeper Senne Lammens had saved Jonathan David\u2019s initial effort.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Carrick acknowledged that the red card changed the complexion of the contest but maintained that his side had shown encouraging signs despite the result.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe feel the game was there for us; it is the biggest thing we could have and should have got more from,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite continuous setbacks, the United head coach dismissed concerns over his team\u2019s confidence, pointing to their ability to respond to the early setback, retain possession and create chances against a strong Atletico side.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI don\u2019t see the confidence as being an issue. I think to come here and respond and take the ball like we did and control spells and create chances, the confidence is there,\u201d Carrick said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite continuous setbacks, the United head coach dismissed concerns over his team\u2019s confidence, pointing to their ability to respond to the early setback, retain possession and create chances against a strong Atletico side.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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