Manchester United player ratings against Villarreal are improved than what we saw against Watford. United booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League. They travelled to Spain to face Villarreal for their fifth group stage match. As Atlanta has drawn against Young Boys, the Red Devils have also won their group with one match to spare.
David de Gea has once again saved Manchester United with his outrageous saves. Trigueros had his head in his hands when De Gea stretched to save his effort. United were lucky to not concede in the first half as David de Gea made some good saves. After the 60 minute mark, Carrick made double substitutions bringing on Bruno and Rashford for Donny and Martial respectively. United started to press more and as a result of their press, the Villarreal goalkeeper made a wrong pass giving the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo who then chipped the goalkeeper.
United’s 2nd goal came from a quick counter started from Ronaldo’s backheel pass to Fred and ended with Fernandes assisting Sancho’s top corner finish from the right-hand side. Most importantly, United was able to keep a clean sheet which was just a 2nd clean sheet in 26 games. This shows how Carrick made some changes in just one training session and it worked well.
Manchester United player ratings vs Villarreal
David de Gea – 8/10
It is safe to say that David de Gea has impressed both the managers with his performance. If he keeps up his form he may even be their best player of the season. It seems that De Gea is returning back to his best gradually and has saved United once again.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 4/10
Every player has improved from their performance against Watford. However, Bissaka was still the same here. He gave away possession in dangerous areas, was not able to move forward and put in crosses and was caught outside position at times.
Victor Lindelof – 7/10
Did his work well and saw more of the ball in the second half. Made a few trademark long passes and did well as the last man at times. Was calm when defending and moving the ball.
Harry Maguire – 7/10
This was the performance he needed to get back. He was calm on the ball and did make any harsh mistakes or decisions. Looked in control of the game and should keep this momentum going.
Alex Telles – 6/10
Telles is defensively weak and should work on it more but very good moving forward unlike Bissaka. Put in some good crosses but should improve his corner taking as very few were dangerous enough.
Fred – 7/10
Played as a central midfielder rather than a defensive midfielder. His pressing helped in Ronaldo’s goal and made very few mistakes which did not cause much damage. The change of role must have suited his attributes.
Scott McTominay – 7/10
Did well as the defensive midfielder and looked to run with the ball when he had the chance. Much like a lower version of Declan Rice. Also distributed the ball but had few passing options.
Donny van de Beek – 6/10
Did well to press the Villarreal players and also played in the frontline to stop Villarreal from playing at the back. But he was unable to cause any significant damage to the Villarreal defence.
Anthony Martial – 4/10
Martial has failed to grab the opportunity he was given. Failed to dribble past even once and did not any shots. He was also unable to get in good positions and was isolated.
Jadon Sancho – 7/10
Sancho’s best game in a United shirt. Should have gotten one more goal with his link-up play with Bruno Fernandes. All in all, good display in the right midfield and got his first goal for the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 8/10
Cristiano Ronaldo? Not scoring in the Champions League? How will that happen? Ronaldo has scored in yet another Champions League game his 799th career goal. Also worked in the defensive department and was disciplined.
Substitutes
Bruno Fernandes – 7/10
Dropped back to create more chances and was more impactful than Donny. Made some good passes in the final third and got himself an assist. He has now assisted in each of his Champions League games this season.
Marcus Rashford – 6/10
He brought pace and energy on the pitch which Martial lacked. Could have gotten himself a goal but Rulli pulled a save. Was involved in United’s counter for the 2nd goal and did more than Martial in just around 25 minutes.
Nemanja Matic
Came on late to make an impact.
Juan Mata
Came on late to make an impact.
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