Michael Carrick believes Manchester United missed a chance to secure a positive result against Atletico Madrid, insisting his side could have won despite the 2-0 UEFA Champions League defeat.

United suffered a disappointing loss after Pablo Barrios scored in the opening minute to put Diego Simeone’s side in control.

However, Carrick believes his team showed enough attacking threat to trouble the Spanish side, pointing to four big chances created by United after the early setback.

Speaking during post-match interviews with Amazon Prime Video and MUTV, the United manager reflected on a performance in which his players struggled to convert their opportunities into goals.

Despite Atletico’s strong start, United created openings that could have changed the outcome of the match. Carrick felt the chances presented an opportunity for his team to get back into the contest, but their failure to take advantage ultimately proved costly.

Atletico strengthened their grip on the game in the 79th minute when Ademola Lookman scored the second goal, shortly after United defender Leny Yoro was sent off for a last-man foul following a VAR review.

The dismissal made United’s task even more difficult, leaving Carrick’s side with little time and fewer players to mount a comeback.

For Atletico, the victory represented another strong performance under Simeone, whose side capitalised on an early breakthrough before taking advantage of United’s difficulties in the closing stages.

United, meanwhile, will be left to reflect on their missed chances and defensive setbacks as they seek to recover from the defeat in the 2026/27 Champions League league phase.

Carrick’s assessment offered a measure of encouragement about United’s ability to create opportunities, but the result underlined the importance of taking chances against experienced European opposition.