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| Martial and Bruno celebrating after United were awarded their 21st Penalty |
Manchester United are through to the semi-final of Europa League after beating Copenhagen courtesy to a Bruno Fernandes penalty. It wasn’t a classic semi final or even a classic Manchester United performance, but the reds got the job done in extra time and below are the ratings of players
Sergio Romero – 6
Keeps reminding United fans that they have the best second choice goal keeper in world football. Was solid throughout the match and Aaron Wan Bissaka and Eric Bailly dealt most of the attack so had very less to do. Will be interesting to see who does Ole prefer in the semis vs Wolves or Sevilla.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
Solid defensively but clueless in attacking side of football. One of the highlights in first half was a monstrous ball to the face which left him a bit dazed. Was crucial in a tackle with Bryan Oviedo who looked sure to score.
Eric Bailly – 7
If fit, Eric Bailly is the perfect partner alongside Harry Maguire and yesterday he did show some of these flashes. Made some key tackles and blocks and saved Manchester United from embarrassment.
Harry Maguire – 5
Harry Maguire played his 60th Match of the season and looked jaded as well as lacked his usual sharpness. Had nothing to deal with in the game apart from a Fred’s mistake and a cynical yellow which he conceded.
Brandon Williams – 6
After signing his new contract last week, Brandon Williams showed why he is such a raw talent and work in progress player as he held his line well against ex Manchester United Player, Guillermo Varela. Had a great game saving tackle in the second half but apart from that had a decent performance in attack but caught out of his position multiple times defensively.
Fred – 5
Playing in a role which isn’t his strongest forte was evident throughout the night. Made numerous sloppy mistakes in the first half as United looked very uncomfortable with him that role. Could have costed United the game with that sloppy pass but having said that he should be picked ahead of McTominay in the battle of midfield.
Paul Pogba -7
Probably, a complete midfield performance and just usual affair since the restart. Improved his defensive side of the game but couldn’t impose his attacking prowess. Was one of the better midfielders compared to his team-mates.
Bruno Fernandes -6
Even when he had an average game, he doesn’t miss from the spot. One of those days where Bruno had everything apart from accuracy. Misplaced many passes but his long-range shots are one to watch out for a couple of times stung the keeper and even hit the post. Like they say, Ice in his veins to slot home United’s 21st Penalty.
Mason Greenwood – 5
One of the best finishes by any footballer of any level but was ruled out Offside. Other than that, failed to get going and lost his impact in the match.
Anthony Martial – 8
If Bruno is regarded as Manchester United’s player of the season, then Anthony Martial should be regarded as United’s most consistent Player since project restart. He is evolving as a proper number 9 with his lethal finishing and his link up and hold up play. Made life difficult for Copenhagen defenders due to his mazy runs and one of the reasons why Copenhagen’s GK had to make 13 saves as he constantly kept testing him. On, his best day could have had a brace minimum but that wasn’t the case.
Marcus Rashford – 4
Looked lost, disinterested, isolated but a total team player as he kept running and tracking back during any Copenhagen attack. His passing range has got better but yesterday, it was just a below average performance by the England international.
Substitutes
Nemanja Matic -6
Brought on for Fred at 69th min and showed the importance of specialist defensive midfielder. Gave away a dangerous freekick late in Extra time but other than that nothing else to showcase.
Victor Lindelöf -7
Came on for Bailly in the 69th min and spent 20 mins just clearing and passing the ball. Was hardly troubled but highlight of the day would be, him yelling at Brandon Williams to keep a track on Varela and track back often.
Juan Mata – 9
They say Juan Mata is a magician and he showed why he was one. Brought on for Greenwood and immediately changed the game with his creativity and vision as his subtle passes started asking questions of Copenhagen’s rigid and sturdy defence. It was his precise pass which led to Martial winning the penalty and Mata was the creator or spark which United needed to kill the game before it moved to penalties.
Jesse Lingard – N/A
Did some running and gave Rashford much needed breather
Scott McTominay – 10
Was on the pitch for 73-75 seconds, didn’t misplace the ball, didn’t give away at crucial places because didn’t even touch the ball.
Manager – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: 6/10
Probably, was right to start with a very strong United line-up as Copenhagen looked determined to take this game in penalties. As usual, the same criticism, should have made subs a lot earlier as he should have seen that these players are absolutely jaded and physically and mentally drained and tired.
