Man Utd ratings: Trickster Fred turns into prime Ronaldinho as best Red Devils player but so-called captain Maguire poor

MANCHESTER UNITED’S Champions League dream ended and the trophy drought continued as Atletico Madrid grabbed a trademark 1-0 away win at Old Trafford.

Renan Lodi coasted in at the back post to head in the only goal of the night just before half-time.

That came minutes after Joao Felix had a goal chalked off when the linesman’s flag went up.

Anthony Elanga came closest for United with efforts either side of the interval while Raphael Varane was denied by Jan Oblak.

But despite a late surge roared on by the home crowd, they could find no way past the Slovenian stopper and were dumped out.

Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ralf Rangnick’s men…

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David De Gea – 6/10

A slightly nervy start against his former employers with a mis-kick clearance but wasn’t punished.

But was right on form to pull out a fine save, clawing the ball away from the top corner with his right hand.

Diogo Dalot – 5

Was snubbed for Victor Lindelof at the Wanda Metropolitano but back tonight and keen to push on – and even try his luck against Jan Oblak a few times.

But debatable at the back… he had a let off when Marcos Llorente was flagged offside (just!) then lost his bearings and had no idea Lodi was arriving at the back post to head in the winner.

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Raphael Varane – 6

A largely quiet and uneventful display from the experienced defender.

The ex-Real Madrid man would have been desperate to get one over his former city rivals… and had the perfect chance but his header was expertly saved.

Harry Maguire – 3

Another unconvincing performance from the United centre-back, who failed to cover himself in glory once more.

Too much dilly-dallying on the ball, random arm waving and a distinct lack of leadership.

Most notable impact was smashing the back of his slab head into Cristiano Ronaldo’s gnashers at an attacking free-kick.

The ironic cheers when Maguire’s number went up spoke volumes.

Alex Telles – 5

One of many players to start well as United came out of the blocks well but then struggled.

Didn’t offer much in attack, kept plugging away and trying but lacked the quality final ball needed – especially with the corner in the last seconds.

Scott McTominay – 6

A welcome, albeit unspectacular, return for the Scotland international in midfield and proved his value to this team going in both directions.

Lasted 67 minutes on his comeback and can be pleased with his efforts.

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Fred – 8

Enjoying arguably his best spell as a United player and clearly playing with bags of confidence.

A delicious flick in midfield was a taste of things to come as Fred turned into compatriot prime Ronaldinho with more fancy footwork in the box.

Broke up the play, drove the team forward and pushed up to join in the attacks. A classy No8 performance. £52m well spent!

Anthony Elanga – 6

The hero for United in the first leg was rewarded with a start, operating on the right flank to begin with.

But after rotating to the No9, almost broke the deadlock when he hit Jan Oblak in the face from close range.

Went close after the break but then was silent and replaced midway through the second half.

Bruno Fernandes – 4

Back in his favoured No10 position after Paul Pogba got the gig against Spurs.

But was largely anonymous before his speculative strike on the stroke of half-time – except for setting up Elanga’s blocked effort.

Did the same again after half-time with a neat backheel as the Swede dragged just wide.

But it was not enough from the influential Portuguese playmaker. He needed to do more and step up but was instead dragged off.

Jadon Sancho – 7

Made a bright and lively start, another player operating with plenty of confidence but had little to show for his early efforts and soon started to fade.

After the break, got himself back into the game – almost thundered home a stunning volley but it whistle just beyond the upright.

When he had the ball, United looked dangerous. Aside from Fred, United’s best player.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 4

United’s hopes were on their main man – a hat-trick at the weekend and Atletico’s nemesis. This time, he failed to deliver. Anything.

As we’ve seen too many times this season, Ronaldo spent a large percentage of the match on his knees with his arms aloft complaining at the referees.

Started as the No9 but dropped deep and wide to get on the ball – however, offered little threat there either.

Not helped by smashing his teeth into Maguire’s head at a corner… surprisingly stayed on his feet that time, though.

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SUBS:

Nemanja Matic (for McTominay, 67 mins) – 6

Paul Pogba (for Fernandes, 67 mins) – 5

Marcus Rashford (for Elanga, 67 mins) – 4

Edinson Cavani (for Fred, 76 mins) – 5

Juan Mata (for Maguire, 83 mins) – 5

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk