MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a draw in a thrilling first leg of their Europa League playoff with Barcelona.
History suggested the Red Devils would be up against it at the Nou Camp with United having won just once in their history against the Catalans.
But with two El Clasico specialists in Casemiro and Raphael Varane in their ranks, United were unfazed by the occasion and took the game to the hosts.
After a goalless first half the game sparked into life with Marcos Alonso’s uncontested header at the far post.
Marcus Rashford continued his stunning form with a driven finish past Marc Ter Stegen to level.
He then created the second as Jules Kounde turned into his own net before Raphinha’s cross-cum-shot ended up in the United net to set up a frantic finish
Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils performance.
De Gea – 7
Could do nothing for the opener or Raphinha’s goal.
Denied Robert Lewandowski well in the first half while commanding penalty box quite well and caught a Raphinha howitzer in the second half.
Wan-Bissaka – 6
Looked strong on the overlap with the help of Fernandes. Created a number of chances pairing up with the Portuguese playmaker.
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Did well in one-on-one duels but allowed his far post zone to be exploited for Barca’s opener at a corner and could have been more useful with some crossing opportunities.
Varane – 6
The former Real Madrid man was one of two players in the United team who understood the Camp Nou atmosphere and helped his team-mates settle.
Despite some poor distribution in the first half, he improved after the interval and a strong step out of defence almost allowed United to grab the lead straight after the equaliser.
Shaw – 7
Composed once again at left centre back. Solid distribution throughout this was paired with solid defensive work whenever he was called upon.
Almost punished when he misjudged the flight of the ball to almost gift Raphinha an opportunity to score a late third.
Malacia – 5
Beaten by Raphinha too many times when defending one-on-one.
Put himself about but better end product would save likely seen him punished.
Casemiro – 7
Like Varane his understanding of the atmosphere helped settle United.
The side looked far more stable with him back in the XI.
Fred – 7
Lost Marcos Alonso at the far post for the defender’s header at a corner but made up for it minutes later with a beautifully weighted pass to assist Rashford.
Looked more comfortable playing alongside Casemiro.
Fernandes – 7
Part of Ten Hag’s attacking reshuffle and played on the right wing – but was no less influential.
Constantly a threat with his passes from the right channel to get an overlapping Wan-Bissaka in behind and set up a glorious Weghorst chance.
Weghorst – 6
Deployed in the same position behind the striker as he was in the final 20 minutes against Leeds.
Brought United up the pitch well in the role but squandered a great chance in the first half to put United into the lead.
Sancho – 5
Struggled to make an impact from the left wing due to Barcelona defenders doubling up on him throughout the first half.
Wasted a glorious chance early in the second half to put United into the lead after an error from Ronald Araujo. Subbed off after 82 minutes for Garnacho.
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Rashford – 8
Scored the equaliser from a tight angle to squeeze a shot past Marc Ter Stegen and match his best ever season tally.
Created the second from a corner with a direct run into the penalty area to cause havoc and reap an own goal. Was denied a penalty when brought down as he went through on goal.
Substitutes
Alejandro Garnacho (on for Jadon Sancho 82 minutes) – N/A
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
