The Italian side raced to a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford in the first half and Manchester United were tottering at the back.

 

But a resounding comeback in the second half with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the winner in the 81st minute helped Manchester United to turn things around and win 3-2 at home.

 

 

However, Zappacosta conceded that his team-mates are angry disappointed as they squandered a massive opportunity to win on their first visit to Old Trafford.

 

He told Italian outlet Tutto Mercato: “There is so much regret and anger.

 

 

“We started very well, we feel we have thrown away a game. There is so much disappointment because it was the first time for Atalanta at Old Trafford.

 

“We wanted to make a good impression.”

 

 

He admitted that Atalanta retreated under increased Manchester United pressure in the second half.

 

But the Italian believes Manchester United’s substitutes made the difference because of the amount of quality they summoned from the bench to turn things around after the break.

 

“They raised the pace and we lowered ourselves a bit.

 

“They made it difficult for us with their substitutions, they brought in so many players and we found ourselves facing [Edinson] Cavani, [Paul] Pogba, [Mason] Greenwood and Ronaldo.

 

“And then in these stadiums the kind of atmospheres that are created, it was not easy but we need to improve.”

 

Manchester United are now top of their Champions League group on six points and are now in a healthier position to reach the last 16 of the competition.