Ralf Rangnick offered teenagers and fringe players their chances to make an impact as Manchester United drew 1-1 at home against BSC Young Boys in the Champions League this evening.
United faced an out-of-form Young Boys side with a much-changed lineup and a youthful bench. Despite the fact that the team was no longer under pressure, there was visible anxiety among the players who were eager to impress their new boss, Rangnick.
In the third minute, youngster Amad Diallo got the first chance of the game, but he couldn’t get enough strength behind his effort, which was stopped to his right by the goalie.
Mason Greenwood, a talented goalscorer, broke the deadlock after an accurate cross from Luke Shaw was expertly taken by his England teammate. The ball was hit into the bottom corner.
A big thanks to every single one of you who cheered us on during Wednesday's game 🔴⚪️⚫️
See you on Saturday 👊#MUFC | #UCL pic.twitter.com/4W7z9T71V4
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 9, 2021
Dean Henderson was also hoping to impress, and while he didn’t have many saves to make in the first twenty minutes, he showed some good goalkeeping skills as he raced out to stop Young Boys’ counterattacks.
After twenty-five minutes, the home team had established a commanding lead. Mata stood over a free-kick, which he fired over the crossbar. At the other end, Henderson was put to the test for the first time as a curling shot from outside the box forced the keeper to make a stop to his left, despite the slick conditions.
United had several chances, the first coming from Diallo, who cut back around the defender in the box but hesitated before passing to an unprepared Lingard. Mata had the next chance, but his six-yard effort was deflected twice, first by a defender, then by the keeper’s trailing leg, and the ball went out for a corner.
A mistake by Donny van de Beek near the conclusion of the first half allowed the visitors to pick up the ball on the edge of the box, which Rieder hit with perfection as it sailed into the top corner to make it 1-1.
The second half began with Elanga making a strong start for United, with the keeper only getting his fingertips on the ball to divert it away from Greenwood.
Elanga had several chances, one a shot that was brilliantly stopped by the goalkeeper. Young Boys, on the other hand, were desperate for a win and kept pounding on the door, forcing Diallo into a reckless but well-timed challenge in the penalty area.
Two more #MUAcademy players make their senior bows ✊🔴
Congratulations, Charlie and Zidane 👏#MUFC | #UCL pic.twitter.com/zXL8KdjxrI
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 8, 2021
Rangnick had stated that he intended to give others a chance, and he did so when he replaced Henderson with 35-year-old Tom Heaton, who had returned to his former club in the summer and was given the opportunity to play for United’s first team for the first time.
Mengi slipped as he raced back with Young Boys on the break, but he got back on his feet and managed to make the block.
Commentator Robbie Savage had an emotional moment to watch when his kid was introduced as a substitute for Juan Mata. In injury time, he produced a wonderful clearance to hold Young Boys at bay, while his academy mate Zidane Iqbal made a good tackle on the edge of the box.
Though the result wasn’t what Rangnick had hoped for, it was a night for the youth and a chance for the manager to assess the talent coming through the ranks.
What’s Next:
Manchester United faces Norwich City at the Carrow Road on Sunday. It will be a much easier trip for the Reds.
