Full Time: Celta Vigo 0-1 Manchester United
Manchester United took control of the semi-final tie of the UEFA Europa League when they defeated Spanish opponents 1-0 away at the Balaidos on Thursday night in the first leg.
It looked like the match would follow a similar frustrating script for United after they had the better first period, but once again failed to take their goal-scoring opportunities. But, teenage sensation Marcus Rashford scored from a free-kick in the 67th minute to give Jose Mourinho’s men the upper hand in the tie, going into the second leg of the game at the Old Trafford next week.
Here is how the United players fared on the night:
Manchester United Player Ratings
Sergio Romero – 7/10
Commanded the box really well and dealt with a number of high balls comfortably. Made one excellent stop to deny Pione Sisto’s long range effort.
Antonio Valencia – 6/10
Hardly got forward as he had his hands full dealing with the speedy Sisto, but stuck to his task and defended well.
Eric Bailly – 7/10
Another impressive performance from the centre-half and more so considering that he had just returned from an injury. Lost out to Daniel Wass on one occasion in the box, but apart from that did not put a foot wrong.
Daley Blind – 7/10
Competed hard against the physical John Guidetti. Made an important block to deny the former Manchester City man and played out well from the back.
Matteo Darmian – 6/10
Struggled to get forward, much like Valencia, but quietly went about his defensive duties. Nothing spectacular from the Italian, but solid enough.
Marouane Fellaini – 5/10
Booked as early as the 33rd minute with an unnecessary foul. Distribution not always up to the mark. Risked a sending off after a poor foul on Cabral in the second period.
Ander Herrera – 6/10
Sat the deepest of the United midfielders, but couldn’t stop the Celta players from getting into their strides in the attacking third. Made a few important interventions, but not the impact that one expects from him.
Paul Pogba – 7.5/10
Impressive return from injury for the Frenchman. Showed great drive and energy in the middle of the park. Always on the lookout to get forward, set Mkhitaryan up with a peach of a through ball.
Jesse Lingard – 6/10
The academy graduate spurned two great chances from threatening positions on either sides of the half-time. Energetic but ineffective.
Marcus Rashford – 8/10
Had a great curling effort denied early in the game. Always had the Celta defence on the back-foot with his pace and piercing runs. Went on a purposeful run to win the free-kick, before converting the chance with a stunning shot.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 5/10
Often the hero for United in this season’s Europa League campaign, the Armenian struggled to produce the moments of quality. Fired straight at the goalkeeper, after being sent through by Pogba. Contributed well defensively.
Substitutes
Ashley Young – NA
Replaced Mkhitaryan in the 78th minute as United looked to shut shop. Taken off 10 minutes later due to an injury.
Anthony Martial – NA
Came on for Rashford and played through the middle. No time to impact the game.
Chris Smalling – NA
Replaced the injured Young in the final minute.