Manchester United made it to the finals of the UEFA Europa League on aggregate scoreline, despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Celta Vigo on Thursday night at the Old Trafford.
Despite the visitors bossing the possession and creating chances in the early stages, it was United who opened the scoring with a far post header from Marouane Fellaini from a peach of a cross by Marcus Rashford. Celta kept coming at Jose Mourinho’s men and really turned it on the final stages of the game, and their pressure paid off when Facundo Roncaglia equalized on the night in the 85th minute.
United saw Eric Bailly sent off two minutes later followed by a red card to Celta’s scorer Roncaglia as well immediately after. Former Manchester City man John Guidetti then missed a sitter in the dying moments of the game for Celta, which meant the home team managed to edge through the showpiece event in Stockholm, where they will face Dutch side AFC Ajax.
Here is how the United players fared on the night:
Alert from the get-go, was a dependable presence in goal. Made two smart saves in the first period. Deserves to start the final ahead of David De Gea.
The captain of the night was an effective outlet down the right-flank while he defended fairly strongly throughout the game.
Another extremely commanding performance from the Ivorian as he dominated at the back, until he got dragged into a melee late on and was sent off.
Looked nervy and started off very poorly, inviting pressure on his teammates with a poor pass. Booked in the first-half for a rash challenge. Unimpressive after a few weeks of strong displays.
Like Blind, started nervily and had his hands full dealing with Iago Aspas. But recovered well as the game progressed and ensured he came out on top in the second period.
Decent display from the deepest of the United’s midfielders. Managed to keep the Celta attack at bay, until letting Roncaglia free for the equalizer. Booked late on for his umpteenth foul.
Smart run and a good header at the far post to score his first goal of the competition. Pressed high up the pitch and offered good energy.
A pivotal presence in the midfield for the Red Devils as he drove them forward each time he was on the ball. Showed some great skills and tricks, a good display overall.
On the periphery for most times of the game. Struggled to get into the game and support Rashford at the top. Needs to do more.
Picked out Fellaini’s run with an excellent cross. Isolated at the top, but ran hard and stretched the Celta defence with every possible chance. Was denied by the goalkeeper in the second period. Has really stepped up and shouldered responsibilities brilliantly.
Looked a threat each time he ran with the ball at Celta, had a shot saved early in the second period. But did not help his team out defensively.
Replaced Mkhitaryan in the 77th minute. Helped shore things up.
Came on for Lingard for the final five minutes.
Replaced Rashford after Bailly’s sending off to plug the hole.
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