Manchester United's season was summed up by the star of their horror show vs Atletico Madrid

Five years and counting. Manchester United have officially entered their most unsuccessful period since the fallow years following their first European Cup in 1968.

Atletico Madrid's authoritative victory at Old Trafford ensures United will stray towards six trophyless years in 2023. The last time that happened was in 1974 and in that season they were relegated. It is apposite for this ramshackle season that United have suffered similar ignominy.

United resembled a team that has reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League twice in the last 11 years. Atletico were streetwise, canny and composed. United were affronted by the referee's officiousness and the theatrics that are mandatory with Diego Simeone's street fighters.

Read more: United player ratings vs Atletico Madrid

Ralf Rangnick, usually phlegmatic, became uncharacteristically irate and the substituted Bruno Fernandes stood in anguish. Fred, also hooked, became an attack-dog, barking at the fourth official to take note of Atletico's time-wasting.

United's naivety was highlighted by a booking for Darren Fletcher, the technical director who is very much a coach. "Cheating f-----g b------s," a United fan shouted at Atletico officials as he staggered down the gangway. United fell into every trap.

Missiles were hurled at Simeone and the Slovenian referee as they approached the tunnel after the final shrill. Rangnick, Victor Lindelof and other members of United's supporting cast vented at the fourth official. That will only intensify Atletico's satisfaction.

The United squad, if not the stadium, will be demolished. This was the last European evening as United players for Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard. None of them started and Lingard