MANCHESTER UNITED ended their worst home run for six years with victory over West Brom.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had VAR to thank after Bruno Fernandes was TWICE saved by the video technology on his way to sealing the 1-0 win.
Bruno Fernandes ended Manchester United’s worst home run of form for six yearsCredit: Getty
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The Red Devils struggled at times to break down the tough Baggies rearguard and their inspired goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
Sun Sport’s Gary Stonehouse watched on to give his verdict on how each United star performed:
DE GEA – 7
Had little to do throughout.
But he kept his concentration to make an important save to deny Conor Townsend seconds before Fernandes’ opener.
WAN-BISSAKA – 6
Little to do defensively.
But, as always, he offered his usual threat supporting the attack down the flanks.
LINDELOF – 6
Solid display alongside Maguire at the back.
And he made an important inception late on to cut-out Hal Robson-Kanu to help his team claim the points.
MAGUIRE – 6
Usual threat from corners and a thunderous volley was blocked by the face of Kyle Bartley. Allowed the same man to out-muscle him to narrowly head off target moments later when defending a set-piece.
Came close again from a corner but was denied by man of the match Sam Johnstone.
TELLES – 6
Back after his Covid scare and finally got to make his Premier League debut.
He was dreaming of the headlines when he volleyed over from 25 yards after meeting a corner but looked comfortable throughout.
The Brazilian tried to walk onto another corner later on but his Paul Scholes-esque effort was high-and-wide again.
Fred celebrates with Fernandes after the Portuguese star’s penaltyCredit: AP:Associated Press
MATIC – 6
Struggled against the tricks of Matheus Pereira in the first half but did what he had to do for the majority.
Typical no-frills, no-nonsense
FRED – 5
Could have unleashed a shot when teed-up by Martial on the edge of the area to double the advantage.
But he bottled his big moment and instead tried to shift the responsibility on to Fernandes as the chance went begging on a very innocuous evening for the Brazilian.
Replaced by McTominay during the closing stages.
MATA – 6
Struggled to carve open the Baggies backline but did win United the penalty.
Replaced by Edinson Cavani on the hour mark.
Bruno Fernandes will be thanking his lucky VARs tonightCredit: Getty
FERNANDES – 7
One man who is loving VAR tonight is the Portuguese attacker, who once again proved to be the matchwinner for United.
He was saved by the video technology not once but TWICE after it overruled the ref’s decision to award West Brom a penalty when he caught Conor Gallagher on the shin.
He then had a spot-kick of his saved minutes later – only to get a second chance that he made no mistake from after Johnstone came off his line first time around.
Although it wasn’t his best night, he loves taking on responsibility and the thought of him not being at Old Trafford must be terrifying for the Stretford End.
RASHFORD – 6
Quiet first half but burst into life after West Brom’s penalty scare when he hammered one towards the corner from 20 yards out with Sam Johnstone saving it well.
He was then denied by another incredible stop by the Baggies keeper but it was a quiet night by his high standards.
MARTIAL – 6
Twice denied by Baggies goalkeeper Sam Johnstone early on and wanted a penalty just before the half hour after a tug on the shirt.
He has only found the net twice this campaign, and the Frenchman is desperate for a goal with Cavani chomping at the bit to replace him.
Edinson Cavani made an impressive impact off the benchCredit: Getty
SUBS
CAVANI (63 MINUTES) – 7
Brought his usual non-stop movement following his intro and instantly provided more of a threat to the frontline.
It cannot be much longer before Solskjaer hands him a start for the out-of-sorts Martial, despite his late booking.
VAN DE BEEK (79 MINUTES) – 5
Replaced Rashford with just over ten to go as United tried to shore things up by had little opportunity to make an impact.
MCTOMINAY (84 MINUTES) – N/A
Was only given the last six minutes to help shut up shop.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
