Manchester United vs Istanbul Basaksehir Summary

Manchester United found back to back wins at Old Trafford for the first time this season as they hit four past Istanbul Basaksehir in what was an astounding attacking display. From both sides at times! United created a flurry of chances early on and a Bruno brace and a Rashford penalty saw United end the half with a 3-0 lead.

The second half was more cagey as United made four early changes before the hour mark and took their foot off the gas. As a result, United allowed Istanbul Basaksehir to fight back into the game. The clean sheet ended by a stunning free kick that De Gea almost kept out but too well hit for the Spaniard to stop. Visca could have made a nervy last ten minutes with another great effort hitting the crossbar but in the end United sealed it. A brilliant break found Greenwood down the right hand side and he unselfishly fed Dan James who slotted his first goal of the season and first for United since March.

Overall a really important and emphatic win that leaves United’s European hopes in their own hands as they are top of the group and 3 points ahead of PSG and Leipzig with two games to go. What’s more is United build on the momentum they earned against Everton and West Brom and will want to take it into crucial fixtures in the next month.

Manchester United vs Istanbul Basaksehir Player Ratings

David de Gea 8/10

A crucial save to deny Visca and his distribution was almost perfect. I don’t think it would be fair to criticise him for the freekick as he clearly saw it late and it was a brilliant hit. It always looks worse when the keeper gets a hand to it. Hopefully he can keep up his good form this season against Southampton.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka 8/10

His passing was excellent as there were times he played his way out of difficult positions by Istanbul and used his pace and skill to bring United forward. I think he sat back more to allow Telles to go forward and I don’t mind that as it compliments both players nicely.

Victor Lindelof 7.5/10

If he stayed on all match, he easily could have got an eight or a nine but a good first half for Lindelof. Dealt with Ba in the air for a lot of the half and what a ball to Rashford for the third. I hope the injury has not hit him badly and it is just precautionary as he has turned a corner since being dropped against Spurs.

Harry Maguire 7.5/10

Solid for the most part and his distribution was excellent. Did look nervy at times and a bit sloppy at one or two points in the game but overall another good performance and I can see him marshalling the defence more and more. What a captain has to and should be expected to do.

Alex Telles 8.5/10

Another great performance from Telles. Two crosses that resulted in goals albeit technically indirectly. He was solid at the back and adventurous in attack, everything we expected and more.

Fred 7.5/10

We saw the best and the worst of Fred against Basaksehir. He pressed relentlessly and United won the ball of Istanbul many times as a result but he gave the ball away so often and almost refused to play first time balls. This is something that Southampton could heavily exploit with their high-press. So he must be wary of this and shift the ball quicker on Sunday.

Donny van de Beek 9/10

Wow. Just wow. It was a pleasure to watch Donny van de Beek play last night. He was simple but progressive at times and made difficult passes look effortless. I can’t remember an attacking play he wasn’t involved in. While I do want him to start against Southampton I reckon if he does, it will be as a right sided midfielder and not a 6. He and Fred are not currently defensively robust enough to play in the Premier League together.

Bruno Fernandes 9/10

Brilliant performance again. A wonderful strike to open the scoring and in the right place at the right time for the second. An unselfish act to let Rashford have the penalty but that’s what is so great about Bruno and this United side. Good to have him rested for the Southampton game as he will need to be at his best.

Marcus Rashford 8/10

He caused Istanbul problems all game and on the right he was able to be direct and devastating in his driving runs. Could have had a hattrick but denied by the offside flag and a good save by the keeper. Also rested and a good thing too.

Anthony Martial 7.5/10

He played very well as a winger for an hour and then almost as a roaming number ten until Matic came on. His passing was excellent, the driving runs caused problems and his hold up play continues to improve. Clearly something the player next on the list is helping with…

Edinson Cavani 8/10

He was brilliant in every aspect and deserved a goal for his efforts. His movement, linkup play and work rate were first class and it shows how much he will offer United starting and coming off the bench. The latter I expect to happen at the weekend.

Substitutes:

Axel Tuanzebe 6.5/10

Solid game and unfairly got a yellow card that will see him miss the PSG game and so making the back five option almost unavailable without Axel and Shaw. A good half nontheless and if needed as cover for Lindelof on Sunday, I don’t doubt he will do a good job.

Daniel James 7.5/10

Grew into the game and made a few driving runs but the best saved till last. He deperately needed that goal with a lot of doubts around his future at the club. I hope he can kick on as he is a player I want to succeed at this club and get back to his best form.

Mason Greenwood 7.5/10

His hunger to drive into the box was clear from the moment he came on and he tried to prove a point after disgusing false accusations from the media. Again was unselfish to set up James and could have bagged his own goal late on but forced a good save instead. I hope he starts on Sunday as Bertrand would be in for a rough game.

Brandon Williams 6.5/10

A good cameo for Williams. Whipped in a few crosses and the drive to get into the box hasn’t stopped with a different position. When needed, I don’t think he would do a bad job swapping in for Wan-Bissaka.

Nemanja Matic 6.5/10

Came on to solidify the game and played a crucial role in pushing United out of their own half. Something he did not always do against West Brom. I would understand if he came in for the clash at St Mary’s but equally McTominay has a good chance too if he was simply rested tonight.

Man of the Match: Donny van de Beek

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 8/10

Ole named a strong side that got the job done, especially the starting back four and goalkeeper. Fred and Van De Beek worked a treat for the buildup play United needed to break Istanbul Basaksehir down. The front four were electric. I think the five players that came off needed rests and the players that replaced them did a good job. I cannot fault the tactics employed and the football was simply a joy to watch. Momentum in United’s favour but now they have to beat Southampton, something United failed to do last season.