M.E.N. https://bit.ly/3AHnwYU
Highlights https://bit.ly/2XUBrg6
Man Utd were beaten by Aston Villa's late goal at Old Trafford, followed by
Bruno Fernandes' missed penalty, on a day when too many attacking players
failed to perform.
David de Gea - 7
A relatively calm head amid the chaos at times. Recovered well in the first
half to save from Watkins and repeated the trick after the break. One nervy
pass out in the second half.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 6
A pretty quiet game given the chaos around him. Solid enough defensively, but
probably not quite decisive enough as an attacking threat. One good surging run
in the second half.
Raphael Varane - 7
A pretty solid performance given the amount of work he had to do and the fact
Watkins and Ings posed a twin threat throughout. Positionally astute at times.
Harry Maguire - 6
First half backpass nearly put De Gea in trouble and not as his most assured in
a chaotic game that left the defence exposed.
Luke Shaw - 5
Went off injured after half an hour but was as poor as he's been for a while
before that. Regularly rattled by the surging runs of Matty Cash.
Fred - 5
Struggled to offer any control all afternoon. Wayward with passing and couldn't
maintain the United pressure when they built any momentum.
Scott McTominay - 5
A peripheral presence at times in a match where the midfield struggled
throughout. Didn't carry the same threat when trying to break forward and
couldn't control Villa's midfield runners.
Mason Greenwood - 6
United's liveliest attacker and most consistent goal threat but when the
chances did arrive the finishes weren't up to his usual high standard.
Bruno Fernandes - 5
Can't accuse him of going missing but the relentless work rate and desperation
to have an impact somewhere and somehow didn't always work. Missed penalty that
would have salvaged a point in injury time.
Paul Pogba - 5
Started brightly enough but as the game became increasingly desperate in the
second half it felt like it didn't really suit him.
Cristiano Ronaldo - 6
Poorest game since his return. One free-kick into the wall and a shot dragged
wide from distance, but sporadic threat aside from that.
Subs
Diogo Dalot - 7
Dealt with Cash better than Shaw had done and showed his versatility on the
left. Some good runs to try and get United on the attack.
Victor Lindelof - 6
Looked secure after having to replace Maguire in what were undoubtedly
difficult circumstances.
Edinson Cavani - 5
Hause got away from him at the corner for Villa's goal.
Manager - 6
Hamstrung by having to make two enforced defensive substitutions, but maybe
left it too long to make his third gambit.