MANCHESTER UNITED progressed through to the Champions League knockout stages with a 2-0 win at Villarreal.
It was a tale of two halves for United, playing under interim manager Michael Carrick for the first time since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal.
Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho saw United turn the game around following a dull first half.
Here is how Jack Figg rated Carrick’s players.
David de Gea – 8
Made some good saves in the first half as the Spaniard faced some early tests.
Pick of the bunch came on the hour mark as a volley from Manu Trigueros hit the ground forcing the keeper to finger tip it wide.
Alex Telles – 6
Produced a great cross on the half hour mark but Ronaldo’s header was saved and made some smart runs off the ball.
With Martial offering little link up on the left, it saw the full-back unable to get forward and make use of his crossing abilities.
Harry Maguire – 6
Given a relatively quiet night at the back, something the defender would have been hoping for.
Could only watch on at times as De Gea was forced to pull off heroics.
Victor Lindelof – 6
Made an important block to deny Moi Gomez’s effort just before the break, which resulted in a corner.
Put in a disciplined performance alongside captain Maguire.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 5
Almost cost United as he brought out possession from the back but managed to get away with it.
Showed little interest in getting forward with Sancho but was competent at the back.
Fred – 7
Twisted his ankle on 35 minutes but saw the half out and continued playing.
And he can count himself fortunate he did, as his interceptions put through Ronaldo and Sancho to score.
Scott McTominay – 6
Started as the deep-lying midfielder and played the occasional cross field or forward ball.
The Scottish international did not get forward much but was solid in front of the back line.
Donny van de Beek – 6
Looked energetic in the No10 role, making runs in behind but got too eager to win the ball back just before the break as he picked up a booking.
Brought off with 25 minutes to go and will feel he did not get the ball in advanced areas enough.
Anthony Martial – 4
Looked far less of an impact out wide, opposed to his preferred position through the middle.
Could have no complaints being substituted as the Frenchman failed to take his opportunity after being given a rare start.
Jadon Sancho – 8
Had largely quiet spells in the first half but showed promise when he did get on the ball, driving down the right wing.
Great form continued into the second half and led to the forward scoring his first United goal, smashing home from inside the box.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 7
Had little luck in front of goal throughout the match – until a mistake at the back put the forward through and led to a beautiful chip finish.
Again, Ronaldo proved he is not the problem and once more got United back on track.
SUBS
Bruno Fernandes (for Van de Beek) – 6
Almost immediately got involved and slid through Sancho smartly, but the winger’s effort was saved.
Marcus Rashford (for Anthony Martial) – 6
Produced a good save from Geronimo Rulli as he cut in from the left with five minutes remaining.
Nemanja Matic (for Cristiano Ronaldo) – N/A
Juan Mata (for Jadon Sancho) – N/A
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
