Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took responsibility for Manchester United’s chastening Champions League exit on a night when his side “didn’t turn up” until it was too late against RB Leipzig.

Things had gone awry after a stunning start to Group H but the Red Devils only needed a point at last season’s semi-finalists – a side they beat 5-0 just six weeks ago – to secure progress to the knockout phase.

But Europa League football now awaits United having fallen just short of a remarkable European comeback at Leipzig, where Angelino, on loan from Manchester City, and Amadou Haidara scored within the opening 13 minutes.

“Today it just didn’t work for us. It is a difficult season, there are difficult circumstances this year and of course we were up for it and the character and effort I can’t fault.”

Tuesday’s result means Leipzig progress to the last 16 at United’s expense, much to the delight of coach Julian Nagelsmann.

“It was really intense at the end, but we played a good game for long spells,” he said.

“The players implemented our plan well, especially in the first half.

“The boys fought hard. I said before the game that they are machines and they showed that again tonight.”