Manchester United registered a slim 1-0 victory in the cup semi-final of the Europa League against Celta Vigo, a cup that Manchester United has never won in its glorious history. The Europa League has become a priority for United as it’ a ticket into the Champions League. In Vigo, United had to get an away goal and possibly restrict the blue hosts to scoring, not beyond two but Jose Mourinho’s men did a splendid job and bettered the expectations.
They not only kept a clean sheet thanks to some good saves from Romero and a below par finishing from Celta, they got a crucial away goal after a stunning free-kick from Marcus Rashford. United will feel now that the job can be completed at home. Here’s how the Red Devils are rated in this important victory:
GK: Sergio Romero – 7/10
Made a great save from Sisto’s effort, looked comfortable between the posts oozing confidence and showing that United can defend without De Gea. Another clean sheet!
RB: Antonio Valencia – 6/10
Nothing extraordinary. The captain for the game was very tidy and defended well when needed.
CB: Eric Bailly – 7/10
Had to deal with Guidetti and he made his presence felt. Big and powerful, as he did the job with ease.
CB: Daley Blind – 7/10
A very intelligent player, Blind, complimented Bailly perfectly and showing aggression and making some accurate tackles.
LB: Matteo Darmian – 6/10
Remained unbreached. A decent outing for the Italian.
CM: Ander Herrera -5.5/10
Not really involved in the game today as they hardly needed him due to the flow of the game. He was the holding midfielder on the night but had little to do
CM: Marouane Fellaini – 5/10
Really reckless got booked again. Was active during the game but there was always that looming tension of him getting a red.
CM: Paul Pogba – 8/10
United do need a player with an attacking motive and an eye for creation or positivity. He’s certainly been missed. His presence and control was vital today, as he set up a great chance which Mkhitaryan didn’t convert. He was the launch-pad for forward attacks and he did a great job.
RF: Jesse Lingard – 4/10
Totally wasted several chances and not the quality united need in the final third. Disappointing.
LF: Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 4/10
He too, like Jesse, missed a phenomenal chance and was largely frustrating on the night. Really needs to step up his game.
ST: Marcus Rashford – 8/10
Constantly made the Celta defence work. His work-rate was brilliant and so was his desire to give United the lead. Young gun but he’s surely stepping up. His deadly free-kick made the difference on the night.
SUBSTITUTES
Ashley Young – N/A
Came in with just over 10 minutes to go to act as a wing-back but could not last the entire game.
Anthony Martial – N/A
Hardly enough time for having an effect on the game.
Chris Smalling – N/A
Replaced Ashley Young late in the game.
