Atletico Madrid remind Manchester United of their transfer priority in Champions League draw

As Victor Lindelof drifted into midfield to provide cover for Manchester United against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, it was clear that Ralf Rangnick's experiment with the centre-back was destined to fail in such an important game.

Lindelof started at right-back at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium and with Fred, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes all inclined to roam forward, he looked to cover in the centre of the pitch. Lindelof was left with no choice, but it left Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane vulnerable. Rangnick accepted his experiment had failed when making a triple change in the 65th minute.

United improved after those changes. Rangnick deserves credit for possessing the tactical awareness to address the problem and his in-game management continues to impress, however, his original team selection reminded the United hierarchy watching on from home of the club's transfer priority this summer. It's imperative United sign a world-class defensive midfielder.

United looked passive and incohesive in the first half against Diego Simeone's side and their midfield three exacerbated their problems. There was no link between defence and midfield. Fred was asked to play deep and protect the back four but that's a position in which his qualities are not seen to best effect. Atletico pressed high and United looked disoriented.

Nemanja Matic is the only recognised senior defensive midfielder at the club and it was no coincidence that United improved with the Serbian on the pitch. The 33-year-old isn't the solution for the remainder of the season but he points towards the answer.

Matic provided the balance which United desperately needed. Atletico had previously bullied United, but they slowed down as the game reached the