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Man Utd player ratings: Jadon Sancho has best game in United shirt, but Ronaldo has to score tap-ins at Leeds

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MANCHESTER UNITED were playing their first Premier League game at Elland Road in nearly two decades.

And after signs this set of players may not be up for the fight, it was a huge test of character for the men in red.

Jandon Sancho had perhaps his best game in a United shirt, and in a hostile atmosphereCredit: EPA

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The good news is, some surprising names stepped up when there had been doubts over their calibre, but this crazy game also had some hair-brained moments of silliness.

Eventually goals from Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Fred and Anthony Elanga sealed all three points for Ralf Rangnick’s side in a 4-2 win.

David De Gea – 6/10

Got totally hoodwinked by Rodrigo’s cross-turn-shot that looped over him and into the net.

Made a great save from Mateusz Klich’s piledriver in the second half.

Wan Bissaka – 6

Back in the side after playing second fiddle to Diogo Dalot.

Former team-mate Daniel James was allowed too much space to get the cross in to make the score 2-2 and turn the game on its head.

Victor Lindelof – 7

Incredible stomp up the pitch that drove the visitors forward for their second goal, took Leeds totally by surprise.

Harry Maguire – 7

Back in the goals and providing an attacking threat from set pieces after 139 corners without a goal.

It was high time for the captain to step up to the plate.

Luke Shaw – 6

Still not back to his best form of a year ago, form that carried Shaw into a wonderful showing at the Euros.

Scott McTominay – 7

Got amongst it at Elland Road and was one of the United players who wanted to raise their game to the atmosphere.

Booked for a late challenge on Joe Gelhardt and if he was any later, Leeds’ next home Premier League game would be underway.

Jadon Sancho – 9

Superb performance from the England winger, arguably – given the occasion – his best in a red shirt.

His first assist for Bruno was a dink into a lethal area after slowing down his run, and the second was just as cool, with Fred making an overlapping run for his goal.

It was not just the flashy stuff that was impressive though, Sancho was putting it about when he had to and appeared to skim across a rain-sodden pitch while others trudged.

More of the same against Atletico will be just what the doctor ordered.

Jesse Lingard – 6

Experience and tactical discipline count for a lot – and after his troubles with boss Ralf Rangnick, it is good to see Lingard being used in a big game.

He was hauled off at the hour mark but this was an important moment for Lingard, given it was his first Premier League start for United since New Year’s Day 2020.

Along with Wan Bissaka he probably should have done better pressuring Daniel James for Leeds’ second.

Bruno Fernandes – 6

Wonderful header to make it 2-0 to United.

But his role giving the ball away for the Leeds equaliser was poor – you cannot give the ball away so cheaply in those areas.

For someone who is a renowned playmaker, he has to manage the game better.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 5

Should have scored the opener, which he smashed straight at Illan Meslier.

You would expect one of the greatest players of all time to finish that, and he knows it.

Did well in the build-up to United’s third goal, but after watching Harry Kane’s performance for Tottenham at Manchester City, wouldn’t the England striker bring a lot more to this team?

Subs: Anthony Elanga – 8

Manchester United fans should be in love with this kid, because he gives his all to the team and works his socks off.

Not only that but he was appallingly struck in the head by an object by a Leeds fan as he celebrated Fred’s goal in the second half.

A goal late-on showed the cowardly ‘fan’ what football is all about.

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Fred – 8

Superb contribution off the bench and a goal to boot.

Rangnick seems to be getting the best out of the Brazilian going forward, even if there remain doubts over his game management in deep-lying midfield areas.

Raphael Varane – 6

Brought on as a utility sub for Ronaldo. Not enough time to make much of a contribution, but will surely play in Madrid on Wednesday.

⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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