We conceded three goals on fairly messy situations – Gasperini

couldn’t maintain their first-half 2-0 lead in Wednesday’s Champions League clash against

and lost to the Red Devils with a final 3-2 result.

Atalanta boss

Gian Piero Gasperini

spoke to

Sky Sport Italia

in a post-match interview, saying De Gea’s double save in the second half played a key role in their defeat.

“I don’t know if we couldn’t have done more. Of course, we believed, but in an environment like this it just takes a spark to get them fired up again,”

Gasperini said.

“We had the sensation we were holding out, we went very close to going 3-1 up and their goalkeeper made a wonderful double save, then the 2-2 happened.

“Inevitably, we might’ve held out longer with a few more players available, but we conceded three goals on fairly messy situations.”

The 63-year-old tactician added:

“We keep learning! These are top level fixtures, you must learn to hold out during their moments of enthusiasm.

“We hoped to be in there at the end, because Manchester United throw a lot of forwards on and are dangerous, but they also leave spaces at the back. Manchester United comebacks and late wins are typical at Old Trafford, I’ve lost count of how many times they’ve done it here, so it’s a characteristic of theirs.

“We played with character, there were moments when we couldn’t get out, but we did try to attack every time we had the chance. We weren’t clinical enough in our finishing.

“The second leg is going to be tough, as they are so dangerous when spaces open up, but we showed tonight that we can have our say in this group and at this level.”

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