Manchester United clashed heads with AZ Alkmaar earlier tonight looking to win their second game of this UEFA Europa League campaign. The Red Devils struggled to get a foothold in the contest and looked average at best in the first half.
Both teams fought tooth and nail after the half-time break but lacked the cutting edge in the final third. The European encounter finished with both sides sharing the spoils following a goalless showdown at the AFAS Stadion.
Let’s take a look at how each Man United player performed during the contest against AZ Alkmaar.
GK: David De Gea – 7/10
The Spanish keeper pulled off a solid stop early in the game and did enough to keep a clean sheet at the back.
LB: Brandon Williams – 6/10
The English youngster adapted to the surrounding conditions quickly and put in a matured display during the clash. However, he came close to giving away a needless penalty.
CB: Victor Lindelöf – 6.5/10
The Man United defender took some time to settle into the contest, but he put in an impressive defensive display tonight.
CB: Marcos Rojo – 7/10
The Argentine centre-back adjusted himself to cope with the artificial pitch and did enough to earn a shut-out from the encounter.
LB: Diogo Dalot – 7/10
He didn’t have much defending to do. Dalot got the license to join in on the attack and whipped in a couple of inviting crosses into the Alkmaar penalty box.
CM: Fred – 5/10
The Brazilian midfield ace was wasteful with the ball and surrendered possession quite a few times during the match. Solskjaer should keep him away from the first-team for the time being.
CM: Nemanja Matic – 5.5/10
The Serbian international put in another mediocre display at the centre of the park. He was ineffective going forward but just about fulfilled his defensive duties to help side keep an important cleansheet away at the Netherlands.
RM: Mason Greenwood – 6/10
The Man United whizkid squandered a decent chance to give his team the lead before the half-time break.
CAM: Juan Mata – 5/10
The Spanish veteran was too slow with the ball and didn’t show enough creativity to unlock the Alkmaar defence.
LM: Angel Gomes – 5/10
He looked very average and didn’t impress enough to earn another start for the Red Devils in the coming weeks.
ST: Daniel James – 8/10
The Welsh wing wizard was by far Solskjaer’s best weapon going forward. James was a menace for the home team down the right flank and created an excellent opportunity for Greenwood in the first half.
Substitutes:
CAM: Jesse Lingard – 5/10
The English playmaker looked like a player out of form. He got injured after coming on as a substitute which will be a bitter blow for Solskjaer.
ST: Marcus Rashford – 5/10
The English forward didn’t show enough hunger to win the game for Man United.
CM: Scott McTominay – N/A
He didn’t have enough time to make an impact on the pitch.
