Manchester United’s first-leg win was a strong foundation as they won 4-1 at Old Trafford in a late salvo where they recovered from an early scare.
A scrappy start to the game was brought to life, contrary to what Man Utd wanted, as Athletic struck first at the half-hour mark to send United’s nerves tingling.
Missed chances were a familiar story for Man Utd the rest of the first half as they went in trailing 0-1.
The second half wasn’t much better from United but the trio of substitutes changed the game with Mason Mount scoring in his second consecutive game to restore parity on the day and end the tie as a contest.
Casemiro added garnish soon after and Rasmus Hojlund got his deserved goal on the day as United led Athletic 3-1 on the day.
Mason Mount scored another in injury time after spotting the goalkeeper off the line, making it 4-1 to United and a commanding win in the bag.
Here’s how the players rated –
Man Utd player ratings vs Athletic
Andre Onana – 4
Got a weak hand to the ball for Athletic’s opener and looked shoddy with his kicking which hurt the buildup.
Leny Yoro – 8
Defended his channel capably be it through front-foot tackling or covering by sprinting back. Assisted Mount’s goal. Untouchable now.
Harry Maguire – 6
Ceded possession carelessly for Athletic’s opener to dampen an otherwise secure game.
Victor Lindelof – 4
Not helped by his defence but just doesn’t inspire confidence, on or off the ball. Athletic found plenty of joy down his side.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6.5
Did well, especially in closed spaces with the ball. An early booking had him walking on eggshells in defence.
Patrick Dorgu – 5
Blind crosses killed the momentum of many moves and his killer through ball was wasted by Garnacho.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Made some darting runs through the middle of the park only to choose the wrong option and end the attack.
Casemiro – 6.5
Has set the standards high in Europe and fell short of them as he was careless in possession. Still managed to have the final say with another set-piece goal.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5
Was United’s best outlet again but remains the club’s worst finisher of simple goals among attackers. Latest one-on-one miss might be among his worst.
Bruno Fernandes – 6.5
Some audacious passes found their target as he tried to make things happen. Got his assist for Casemiro’s goal.
Rasmus Hojlund – 7
Got the ball to stick almost every time in an improved showcase for his hold-up play. Got his deserved goal late on.
Substitutes
Luke Shaw – 6.5
Part of a triple sub that transformed the game for United.
Amad – 8
Electric off the bench and his sheer direct running caused panic in Athletic’s shape.
Mason Mount – 9
Scored in the second consecutive game and the finish for his second was a mark of a man full of confidence again.
Harry Amass – 6.5
Almost scored late on from a brilliant transition but overthinking cost him the chance.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6.5
Late sub with Amass to see through the game.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/MPbmDN4