Manchester United’s energies were unmatched yesterday as they showed played like warriors against Villarreal. After being a goal down, United players didn’t lose hope and started playing more aggressively.
It was another sign showing that Manchester United has been winning games even after being taken back from the opposition. Alex Telles scored the first after a well-executed cross from Bruno Fernandes which was rattled by the Brazilian left-back.
After missing a couple of chances, United still searched for the winning goal till the very end. Ultimately all their efforts were counted, as Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner after some beautiful play by three United substitutes- Edinson Cavani, Fred, and Jesse Lingard.
And how can you forget David De Gea and his excellent saves? He kept us alive throughout the game and didn’t commit a single mistake.
Let us look at how every Manchester United player fared during the match:
David De Gea: 9
David De Gea made six saves against Villarreal, the third most by a Man Utd goalkeeper in a single game in the #UCL since 2016/17.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was thankful he had the best goalkeeper in the world. 😅 pic.twitter.com/6vmFleXcF7
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 30, 2021
Can we give him a perfect 10? Yes, he is close to that and his performance justifies that. Made some world-class saves during the entire match and from the very first minute, his glove was ever-present to protect Manchester United.
Made a stunning save to deny Arnaut Danjuma from scoring in the opening 10 mins and was active till the very end as the entire first half was dominated by the legendary goalkeeper.
Alex Telles: 8
Had some nervy moments while defending but showed quick feet while attacking. His stunning volley gave us our first goal and also his first goal for Manchester United. A quality performance by the Brazilian defender.
Raphael Varane: 7
As usual, never put a foot wrong and was involved throughout the match. Made some crucial interceptions and tackles and commanded the back-line really well.
Victor Lindelof: 7
In the absence of Harry Maguire, Lindelof took all the responsibilities really well and was very commanding at the back-line. His positioning skills were really good and he made full use of his presence in the starting XI.
Diogo Dalot: 4
The lowest rating in our list goes to Dalot and that is because of his shambolic defending. Villarreal’s wingers(especially Arnaut Danjuma) were finding it so easy to get past him and he was even unable to create anything in attack. Not a good one for him.
Paul Pogba: 6
Had a quiet day, but was still present at the center at the park. Was supporting Bruno Fernandes really well and was able to control the proceedings.
Scott McTominay: 6
Average performance by the Scottish midfielder and was more involved in defending than in attack. Disappeared in the first half which was a bit disappointing.
Bruno Fernandes: 8
Once again he is among the 8s and 9s in the rating chart. A master-class performance by the Portuguese midfielder as he dominated the entire midfield channel against Villarreal. He provided the sublime cross which Alex Telles converted sharply. Showed a spirited performance till the very end.
Mason Greenwood: 7
Provided some decent crosses into the box but was lacing the cutting edge in the final third.
Jadon Sancho: 6
Was less responsive when compared to his fellow teammates. Performed some neat tricks to beat his marker but was unable to finish well. He will adapt slowly and steadily.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 8
36 – Cristiano Ronaldo (36y 236d) is the second oldest Man Utd player to score a goal in European competition at Old Trafford after Bryan Robson (36y 282d) vs Galatasaray in 1993. Clutch. pic.twitter.com/LkZf1UTFwd
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 29, 2021
Made some clever movements into the box and his efforts were awarded in the end. Scored the late winner and didn’t let the team energy go down. Inspirational as always.
Substitutes:
Edisnon Cavani: 7
Provided some fresh legs and was very energetic in the attack. Won the ball which led to our second goal.
Nemanja Matic: 6
Provided some decent passes.
Fred: 6
Provided the important cross that led to the last-minute goal.
Jesse Lingard: 7
Had just a few minutes to play but still had an impact as he assisted the winning goal.
