PAUL POGBA was the hero as he came off the bench to fire Manchester United to victory at AC Milan.
The 28-year-old needed just seconds to make an impact following his introduction and send the Red Devils into the Europa League quarter-finals.
Pogba’s goal was enough to earn a 1-0 away win at the San Siro and a 2-1 triumph on aggregate.
Here’s how Sun Sport’s Gary Stonehouse rated each player on display for United:
Henderson – 8
Showed safe hands to stop Franck Kessie early doors and bravely got down to smother Simon Kjaer’s knockdown in a mass of bodies.
Got a good, strong hand to keep out Alexis Saelemaekers in the second half before making a big save to deny Zlatan Ibrahimovic to firmly put last week’s error behind him and further strengthen his claim to be full-time No.1.
Wan-Bissaka – 6
Rade Krunic got in front of him just before the break but the right-back recovered well to deny a clean shooting chance.
Offered little going forward to support Dan James but kept his shape well – although he began to tire as the game wore on with most of Milan’s attacks coming from down his side.
Lindelof – 9
Great defending with a perfectly-timed tackle to deny Kessie from having a clear shot at Henderson.
Followed that up with an amazing near-post block as the clash entered the late stages and a vital flick to clear in stoppage time. Excellent.
Maguire – 9
Brilliant in the first half and made a fine block after recovering. Constant danger and caused problems in attack from every set-piece and led his team fantastically from the back.
A real captain’s performance alongside Lindelof in the heart of the defence.
Shaw – 7
Good down the left and was a threat most of the night and showed great desire to prevent the danger late on.
Allowed Zlatan Ibrahimovic to outmuscle him for a header in the closing stages, but he was saved by his goalkeeper.
Another fine performance to add to his collection this term.
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL DAY FOUR OFFERS
McTominay – 7
Worked hard all night and deserved to end up on the winning side.
Excellently tracked his runner late on to stop a fabulous opportunity for Milan to level.
He epitomised United’s display with a surging and powerful run in stoppage time to earn a free-kick high up the field to take the pressure off.
Fred – 7
The game passed him by in the first 45 minutes but the Brazilian did ever so well to regain possession for the goal.
That must have inspired him as he went on to perform a great job to defend the lead and continue winning back the ball for his team.
James – 6
Wanted a penalty midway through the first half but Tomori’s studs just got the ball and looked to have the beating of Hernandez throughout.
His pace proved vital as his side held on to the lead in the closing minutes, winning a free-kick and giving Milan something to think about as they ran down the clock.
Produced a great cross for Pogba in the dying seconds as well only for the midfielder to head over.
Fernandes – 5
Below-par in the opening period with poor passing and wasted opportunities to create an attack.
Even the introduction of Pogba failed to get him going as he continued to give away possession and a long-range free-kick on the target was the only thing for him to really shout about.
He has quite rightly got a load of the plaudits this season – but perhaps Pogba plays a hugely underrated role in that success.
Rashford – 4
Was struggling with an ankle beforehand and maybe that’s why he can be excused for this anonymous display that ended at half-time.
Greenwood – 6
Like the rest of his team-mates, shifted up several gears after the interval.
Made Gianluigi Donnarumma work with a decent strike as the Red Devils looked to add a second goal.
SUBS
Pogba (For Rashford 46 minutes) – 9
Replaced Rashford at the break and was deployed on the left of attack and he made an instant impact with his goal after just three minutes.
Was brilliant at keeping the ball and winning his team free-kicks and proved to be main architect of their attacks. He could not have asked for a better return to action.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
