Manchester United Player Ratings Vs Rostov
Manchester United beat Rostov by a 1-0 margin in the 2nd leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie at Old Trafford. The teams entered the game with the aggregate score tied at 1-1 and the game did not disappoint, with both the teams trying their best to get the decisive first goal. However, it was Manchester United who got the goal finally, when Mata slotted home an Ibrahimovic back flick off a Mkhitaryan cross.
Man Utd had a plenty of chances in the game and the closest they came to scoring was when Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit the far post after cutting in to shoot on the inside, with the far post seemingly visible to the entire earth. It was an unbelievable miss and Rostov were lucky to have got away with it.
Paul Pogba had his chance too when he struck one with his left foot and forced a save off the Rostov goalkeeper. However, Romero had to do his part too when he had to make 3 crucial saves during the course of the game, including one in the final seconds of the game.
It was a thriller and somehow Manchester United came out undamaged. The only damage they had was the injury of Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho admitted that the Frenchman could miss out on France duty and also Man Utd’s game against Middlesbrough.
Here’s How We Rated The Manchester United Players
Sergio Romero – 7
Romero had to be on his toes after United got their lead and he responded well when he was called into action. One of the main reasons why the game did not go into extra-time.
Eric Bailly – 6
Did not have too many tests to pass as Rostov sat back until United took the lead. It was a commendable performance from the Ivorian.
Chris Smalling – 6.5
The Manchester United captain wasn’t troubled too much and he marshalled the back three with relative ease.
Marcos Rojo – 6.5
He was supportive to Daley Blind on the left and also kept Dmitri Poloz under control when the attacker tried to sneak past the United defence.
Antonio Valencia – 7
Valencia was at his vintage best in the first half as he glided past Khoren Bayramyan time and time again.
Ander Herrera – 6
Herrera had a quiet night as he was more inclined to passing sideways than moving the ball forward.
Paul Pogba – 6.5
Paul Pogba had his share of chances before he was taken off. Unlucky to be injured as it looked like he was slowly upping his game.
Daley blind – 6
He did not really produce enough quality from attacking positions as United dominated possession. Mourinho would want to think twice about playing Blind as a wingback once again. However, he was taken off for blurred vision and that might have been the reason for his ordinary performance.
Juan Mata – 7.5
The Spaniard was an absolute joy to watch as he dictated the way United played. Easily the best player on the pitch and he capped it off with a fine goal. He was the creator-in-chief and was at ease doing so.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7
Linked up so well with Zlatan and Mata as United broke forward with pace. It was one such move that resulted in a goal as all the three Man Utd attackers combined to score.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 6.5
The Swede was unlucky to have not got a goal after exhibiting good chemistry with Juan Mata and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Substitutes:
Marouane Fellaini – 7
Fellaini replaced an injured Paul Pogba in the 48th minute and performed really well. He put United on to top gear after coming on and it was a creditable performance from the Belgian.
Phil Jones – 6
Phil Jones was thrown in for Daley Blind, who was believed to have had blurred vision. It was an unfamiliar role for Phil but he held himself together.