Manchester United put in a spirited performance as they defeated Villarreal by a 0-2 scoreline. Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho made sure that the Red Devils qualify for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
It was also Michael Carrick’s first win as an interim manager. Let’s see how every United player fared during the match.
David de Gea: 8
He made two excellent first-half saves, but his second-half save from Trigueros was particularly impressive. He’s bailing out United’s managers yet again.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 4
At the present, he appears to be lacking in confidence. His passing skills were quite ordinary, and he was twice caught with the ball in dangerous areas because he took too long to get rid of it.
Victor Lindelof: 7
Victor Lindelöf’s first half vs. Villarreal by numbers:
100% ground duels won
100% aerials won
100% tackles won
95% pass accuracy
29 total touches
5 clearances
1 blockStepped up well. 🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/YlzTtlULH8
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 23, 2021
As Villarreal began to fire in a few crosses in the second half, the ball seemed to be drawn to him. Adapted effectively to the situation and attempted to play from the back.
Harry Maguire: 7
Much better than the last few weeks. On the ball, he was excellent, and he defended with calm and purpose. He was in desperate need of a good performance.
Alex Telles: 6
Positionally, he was caught out a few times, but he was far better going forward than Wan-Bissaka on the right.
Fred: 7
When United lost control, he was forced to play a different role, shifting across to left midfield. He put up a lot of effort, and his constant pressing contributed to Ronaldo’s goal.
Scott McTominay: 7
In possession, he tried to move ahead but didn’t always have many passing alternatives. As a defensive midfielder, he put up a steady and assured effort.
Donny van de Beek: 6
He led the press in the first half and took a more advanced role in the second, but he faded out of the game as United withdrew under pressure.
Anthony Martial: 4
Midway through the first half, he slammed the ball to the ground in frustration, and that was the end of his night. He had a disappointed expression and felt lonely at times.
Jadon Sancho: 7
Jadon Sancho’s game by numbers vs. Villarreal:
93% pass accuracy
55 total touches
6 attempted tackles
4 successful tackles
2 crosses
1 interception
1 big chance
1 goalOff the mark. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/sjbgS3jf9a
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 23, 2021
Played well with his direct runs and clever passes. Fernandes was involved in some fantastic link play with him, but he missed his second chance to score. He had a good night.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 8
Showing up on the big stage again, he put in a disciplined performance and contributed to a collective defensive effort. When the ball was passed to him, he produced a fantastic finish.
Substitutes:
Bruno Fernandes: 7
4 – No player has made more assists in the UEFA Champions League this season than Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes (4, level with Antony and Leroy Sané), while he has also created the most chances of any player (16). Withdrawn. pic.twitter.com/YBBLOeHxnB
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 23, 2021
When he came on, he added some steel to United’s attacking style, and they improved.
Marcus Rashford: 6
When he first came on, he was bright and offered more than Martial in less than half the time.
