Manchester United clashed heads with AS Roma at Old Trafford earlier tonight as they looked to secure a positive result in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. Bruno Fernandes broke the deadlock around the 9-minute-mark as he effortlessly converted from Edinson Cavani’s inch-perfect pass. The visitors scored two goals in the next 25 minutes to make it 2-1 at half-time. However, the Red Devils tore apart the Roma defence in the second forty-five minutes as they scored five goals to secure a stunning 6-2 victory at home.
Let’s take a look at how each Manchester United player performed during the match against The Yellow and Reds.
David de Gea – 6/10
The Spaniard shot-stopper conceded two goals tonight, but there’s hardly anything he could have done to stop them.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7/10
The Englishman often got upfield to support United’s attacking gameplay in the wide areas. He looked solid defensively as well.
Victor Lindelof – 6.5/10
The Swedish centre-back made some decisive blocks and clearances to help his side at the back.
Harry Maguire – 6.5/10
The skipper could have done better to prevent Edin Dzeko from finding the back of the net. Apart from that, he put up a decent performance overall.
Luke Shaw – 7/10
The English wing-back didn’t seem too convincing in the first half but managed to put up an amazing performance in the second forty-five minutes. He made overlapping runs time and again to support Pogba down the left-wing.
Scott McTominay – 7/10
The Scottish midfielder did his defensive duties at the centre of the park as he snuffed out numerous counter-attacks over the course of the 90 minutes. He wasn’t afraid of going forward either.
Fred – 5/10
The Brazilian midfielder contributed absolutely nothing going forward, and some horrible defending from him led to Roma’s second goal of the game.
Paul Pogba – 9.5/10
The Frenchman had a great impact on the game tonight. He played a major role in the build-up to the majority of the goals and finally got his name on the scoresheet in the 75th minute. His link-up play with Bruno Fernandes made things easier for the hosts.
Bruno Fernandes – 10/10
The Portuguese playmaker scored two decisive goals tonight and even got himself a couple of assists. He played several crucial passes to slice the Roma defence open, and it’d be an understatement to say that his teammates made the most of the chances that he set up.
Marcus Rashford – 6.5/10
The English international worked tirelessly before being replaced around the 75-minute-mark. However, he didn’t look too comfortable down the right flank.
Edinson Cavani – 10/10
The Uruguayan international put up a mesmerising performance at Old Trafford tonight. He could effortlessly convert all the chances that came his way as he combined with Pogba and Fernandes to run riot upfront. With 2 goals and 2 assists, it was undoubtedly one of his best performances in the United jersey.
SUBSTITUTES:
Mason Greenwood – 8/10
Scored the sixth goal of the game to extend United’s lead.
Nemanja Matic – N/A
It was too late when he came on.
Juan Mata – N/A
He came on in the 89th minute.
