IT was a samba party at Old Trafford on Thursday evening as Manchester United’s Brazilian duo sent them into the next round of the Europa League.
Goals from Fred and Antony completed a second half comeback in front of a jubilant Stretford End.
However, United did not make it easy on themselves.
Erik ten Hag had gambled with a tactical reshuffle. And it backfired when Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty given away by Bruno Fernandes.
The Dutchman rang the changes at half time as Antony came on for Wout Weghorst.
And the move paid dividends as Fred arrowed in an effort seconds after the interval before Antony fired home a stunning winner.
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Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Red Devils.
DAVID DE GEA – 6
Came very close to making a spectacular penalty save to deny Robert Lewandowski’s penalty when he got a hand to it but just couldn’t keep the ball out.
Brilliant finger-tip stop in the second-half to deny Jules Kounde header.
AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 8
He has had an amazing renaissance under Ten Hag not just as a defender but further up the field.
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He is known for those brilliant long-legged tackles when he scoops the ball away from an opponent and produced a brilliant early one of those. Surprise when he was taken off.
RAPHAEL VARANE – 8
After ten years at Real Madrid he would relish this occasion as he did last week in the Nou Camp. Looked as calm and composed as ever as the atmosphere crackled.
Great block in injury time in front of the line to deny Lewandowski even though play would have been called back for offside.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 9
Was everywhere around the box putting his body on the line with blocks and judging his tackles to perfection.
Every time a team-mate was in trouble or the ball ran dangerously loose he was there.
LUKE SHAW – 7
Once again he is among the best full-backs in football.
Didn’t give up on a ball running out of play to produce a back heel which kept it alive and helped lead to the winning goal.
CASEMIRO – 7
Struggled to stamp his authority on the game in the first half and sat very deep as Fred roamed.
Became more influential in the second period.
FRED – 8
Never stopped running all night as he chased the ball down in the central third.
Then just after the break he was in the right spot to meet Fernandes’ square ball, take a touch and produce a great finish into the bottom right-hand corner.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 6
Had a good early chance saved and then made an absolutely unforgiveable error just inside his own box.
There was absolutely no danger and therefore no need to pull back Alejandro Balde to concede the penalty.
Made up for that with an assist for Fred and played a role in the winner too.
JADON SANCHO – 6
Started in the number ten role but had little or no influence on the game.
Moved out wide at the start of the second-half and made the pass for Fernandes to set up Fred for his goal.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 7
Clearly seen as the main danger by Barca they were doing everything to stop him getting the ball.
When he was moved from the left into a central position at the start of the second-half he caused more problems by creating space for his fellow frontmen.
WOUT WEGHORST – 4
Played up front rather than as a number ten but may as well have not been on the pitch.
How has the club ended up with a player of such limited ability as a regular starter? Game changed in United’s favour when he was taken off at half-time.
SUBS:
ANTONY (on for Weghorst 46) – 7
The substitution and consequent reshuffle that changed the game. Had an immediate influence with his pace down the right then fired home the dramatic winner.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Sancho 67) – 6
Always makes an impact when he comes on with his positive approach to the game charging forward and defenders.
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DIOGO DALOT (Wan-Bissaka 67) – 6
Ten Hag is blessed to have two right full-backs playing to such a high level at the moment, whoever is chosen.
SCOTT MCTOMINAY (Rashford 88) – 5
Another subs appearance as he edges back into the first team reckoning. But it is going to be tough for him to break into this team.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
