Fantastic Rashford – The Best And The Worst Rated Manchester United Players vs RSC Anderlecht

Full time: RSC Anderlecht 1-1 Manchester United

Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by RSC Anderlecht with a late equalizer, in the first leg of their quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League.

United took the lead on the stroke of half-time, when Henrikh Mkhitaryan tapped home a rebound from a Marcus Rashford effort that was saved. From then on it looked like plain-sailing for the visitors, heading towards a comfortable 1-0 win, but Anderlecht showed great grit and determination to equalize with less than 5 minutes left to play, through a Leander Dendoncker header.

Jose Mourinho will be frustrated with the result, as his team had several chances to extend their lead, but once again were hurt by their profligacy. But the Red Devils still remain favourites to progress to the semi-finals of the competition. Here is how the United players fared on the night:

Manchester United Player Ratings

Sergio Romero – 6/10

Messed up a clearance early in the game, but had nothing to do from then on. There was not much he could do to keep the equalizer out.

Antonio Valencia – 7/10

It was his cross that led to Rashford’s saved shot that Mkhitaryan scored from. Enjoyed some joy getting down the right-hand side, while defending resolutely. Made a very important goal-line clearance,

Eric Bailly – 7/10

Was walking on a tightrope knowing that a yellow card would see him miss the next game due to accumulation. Defended sensibly for most of the game, before a lapse of concentration in the closing stages.

Marcos Rojo – 7/10

Another reliable performance from the Argentine. Looked hesitant on a couple of occasions, but showed alertness and defended aggressively when called into action.

Matteo Darmian – 5/10

Did not get forward as much as Valencia did on the other side. Overpowered and outjumped by Dendoncker for the equalizer late in the game.

Michael Carrick – 6/10

The pass master came into the line-up and did what he does best, spraying around passes, making interceptions. One particular ball to Rashford in the first-half was excellent.

Paul Pogba – 5/10

Saw a lot of the ball in the first period. Tried hard to make things happen, but not much went his way. Missed a great chance to make it 2-0 late in the game, shooting directly at the keeper.

Jesse Lingard – 5.5/10

Started brightly in the first half and one of his efforts hit the post. But he faded with time and was looking anonymous by the time he was taken off.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7/10

A quiet night for the Armenian international, but stood up when needed, scoring the opener from a tight angle. Had another chance in the second period, but volleyed it wide.

Marcus Rashford – 8/10

After a string of under-par performances, the youngster stood out against Anderlecht. His movement off the ball was brilliant. Worked his socks off to help the team out defensively while always on the run to get on the end of the passes. Set up Ibrahimovic with a brilliant cross, but the Swede missed. It was his shot that led to the opener for the Red Devils.  Man-of-the-Match display.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 5.5/10

Should have scored from a Rashford cross in the opening half, but spurned the chance. Sloppy touches, gave away possession at times. Not his best game.

Substitutes

Anthony Martial – 5/10

Replaced Lingard with half an hour left to play, but to no avail.

Marouane Fellaini – 5/10

Came on for Rashford in the 75th minute. Forced two easy saves from the goalkeeper, but allowed Dendoncker to get past him for the equalizer.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah – NA

Came in for Mkhitaryan in injury time.