Coming after a comfortable victory over Sunderland and with the Chelsea game lurking, Manchester United visited Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in Belgium to take on Anderlecht in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
This is one trophy that the club has never managed to win and considering it is a gateway for the Champions League, United have to give it importance. The visitors dominated the possession stat and looked to be growing into the game creating chances while the hosts showed no intent.
A goal from Henrikh Mkhitaryan who made the most out of the rebound off the goalkeeper’s save saw United lead on the evening and just as it looked like they were going to emerge victoriously, Anderlecht equalised. There is a lot to play for in the second leg at Old Trafford and the game is well poised. Here’s how the Red Devils have been rated for tonight’s performance.
GK: Sergio Romero – 6/10
Depended upon Rojo to clear up a mess he created early on but he had no notable save to make. Not a clean-sheet today though which must be disappointing.
RB: Antonio Valencia – 6.5/10
Once again played a part in the attacking sector, his cross led to a goal and he cleared one off the line later on.
CB: Eric Bailly – 6/10
Conservative, patient but composed football. Eric Bailly avoided the booking today and kept the trouble at bay for most parts until he made an error in the second half and got away with it.
CB: Marcos Rojo – 6.5/10
Aggressive, bold and very tidy with a no-nonsense approach. Once again a very good game for the Argentine.
LB: Matteo Darmian – 6/10
Went about his job in the defence and kept his discipline while he didn’t contribute to the attack much. His physique couldn’t match that of Dendoncker who just rummaged past him to score through a header.
CM: Michael Carrick – 7/10
He was like a sweeper who swept away several of Anderlecht’s chances, kept the ball ticking and made his presence known.
CM: Paul Pogba – 5/10
Tried to do something to help the team’s cause, wasted a huge chance, later on, to score and often his work was messed up by others. It was slightly an improved performance but underwhelming again.
AM: Jesse Lingard – 6/10
Started with intent, hit the post but couldn’t do anything as the game went on and was subbed off early in the second half.
FW: Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6/10
Had a very poor first half, got himself on the score-sheet for being alert and reactive but wasted a well-worked cross from Darmian.
FW: Marcus Rashford – 8/10
Worked really hard today, his shot needed a save which lead to a goal, his pace troubled Anderlecht time and again. He’s certainly a talent to watch out for! Man of the match by a mile.
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 5.5/10
Too sloppy today and sometimes his vision and creativity were just spoilt by others. Really needs to get into the groove before Chelsea visit.
