AMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.
Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.
Spurs clinched it from their first real opportunity on 42 minutes.
Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Matar Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.
The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.
But chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.
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First Hojlund’s header was acrobatically volleyed off the line by Micky van de Ven.
Then Bruno Fernandes’ diving header flew wide and sub Alejandro Garnacho cut in for a shot tipped high.
The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.
Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men.
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Andre Onana – 5
So often the villain this season – and while there were no massive clangers it was still a performance that kept United fans on the edge of their seats for all the wrong reasons.
His reluctance to come off his line caused confusion from the start and he did Luke Shaw no favours for Spurs’ goal. Has to go in the summer.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7 (off for Dalot, 85)
One of the few guaranteed starters in this team and was clear why.
Regularly popped up in dangerous positions and wanted to hurt Spurs when he had the ball, linking well with Amad.
Too often too few options to do anything though. Made a superb saving tackle on Son at the end to keep United in it.
Leny Yoro – 7
Faced a race against time to play but looked very comfortable from the start.
Almost too comfortable at times though and nearly let Spurs in in first half by trying to run it out.
Always wants to start an attack when he has the ball, even taking matters into his own hands with a mazy run midway through the second half and late shot from distance.
A rare ray of light in United’s darkness.
Harry Maguire – 6
Has been the Europa League hero twice for United this season with his late goals and was chucked up top again when they chased the game in the closing stages.
Should probably have started him there as was largely the only threat in the box with headers and his feet from free kicks. That says it all.
Luke Shaw – 5
It looks like the injuries have really taken their toll on the once brilliant left-back.
Caught out three times in the first ten minutes and his horror first half was rounded off by bundling the ball towards his own goal after failing to deal with Sarr’s cross.
Johnson was officially awarded the goal, which was probably the highlight of Shaw’s night.
Nearly redeemed himself with a header in added time, which Vicario saved well.
Patrick Dorgu – 6 (off for Mainoo 90)
The Dane divides opinion among United fans and he did little to win over the doubters tonight.
Willing runner to find space behind Spurs defence, but often his distribution offered little threat.
The confusion that once existed between him and Onana seems to still be there. Must improve.
Casemiro – 7
Was preferred over Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo after his late-season resurrection and looked the right choice as he tried to control the game in the first half.
His range of passing helped dictate play, but with like all United’s best players on the night, his chances of doing anything useful with the ball were hindered by the worst players.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
So often the driving force behind anything United have done well this season, but not on his A-game tonight – which his team desperately needed him to be.
Typically busy and tried to get things going but seemed to be on a different wavelength to his team-mates at times.
Wasted few half-chances in the first half, which turned out to be almost the best ones they were going to get.
Amad Diallo – 8
United have badly missed the young Ivorian this season and he showed why by being his side’s and arguably the game’s best player.
Had an effort go just wide after 15 minutes and was the Reds’ one real constant threat.
Always tried to get at players and responsible for majority of team’s best moments.
Mason Mount – 6 (off 70 mins for Garnacho)
Perhaps the biggest shock pick of the night after getting the nod over Garnacho, but Amorim may have got this one wrong.
Always active and wanting the ball, fought hard to keep it when he got it, taking few kicks in the process.
But far too little involvement in the game when United needed someone to stretch Spurs.
Rasmus Hojlund – 3 (off 70 mins for Zirkzee)
Had Joshua Zirkzee been fit a week earlier Hojlund may well not have started. Even an unfit Joshua Zirkzee may have been a better bet.
Had chance to score when Vicario bizarrely headed it to him but was denied by Van de Ven’s brilliant clearance.
Too easily knocked off the ball, and when he did managed to keep it, his distribution was awful. Simply out of his depth.
Subs:
Diogo Dalot – 6 (on 85mins for Mazraoui)
Too little time to make an impact.
Alejandro Garnacho 7 – (on 70 mins for Mount)
Instant impact by cutting in and forcing Vicario into first save of the game. Nearly saved day with spectacular overhead kick at the end.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6 (on 90 mins for Dorgu)
No time to do anything.
Joshua Zirkzee – 7 (on 70 mins for Hojlund)
Showed the desire and attitude fans love by chasing back to make two huge tackles after coming on. Harshly booked for one.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
