AC Milan vs Manchester United Summary
Manchester United qualified for the Europa League Quarter Finals with a 0-1 win against AC Milan. A second half chip from Paul Pogba sealed the game as United hugely improved in the second half in the San Siro. AC looked dangerous in the first half but were limited to one real chance in the second. Ibrahimovic towered over Shaw but Dean Henderson redeemed his first leg performance with a top save. United could have scored more and easily could have had two penalties but one goal was enough.
Now facing Granada in the quarter finals and then either Roma or Ajax in the semis should they get there, United are the favourites for the Europa League. However they must fix their attention back to the FA Cup and face Leicester City in the Quarter Finals on Sunday. A huge game and once again only a win will do.
AC Milan vs Manchester United Player Ratings
Gianluigi Donnarumma 6/10
Commanding in his box but done by Pogba’s skill for the goal and almost gave away a goal to James’ press. Not a great night but relatively quiet shot-wise.
Pierre Kalulu 5/10
Struggled against Shaw and Rashford and then Pogba too. Came off for Dalot early in the second half.
Simon Kjaer 6/10
Decent in the air and defended well against Maguire from set pieces but couldn’t best Greenwood.
Fikayo Tomori 6/10
Easily could have given away a penalty but decent recovery pace during the game. I think he is showing a lot of promise at the San Siro and could move into the Chelsea first team soon.
Theo Hernandez 5/10
Great in attack but awful in defence. James ran past him countless times and he couldn’t cope.
Franck Kessie 7.5/10
Best player on the pitch for Milan. Someone I would like to see at Old Trafford. Defended well, passed with urgency and so very strong both dribbling and in defence.
Soualiho Meite 6.5/10
Can’t remember anything of note he did. Struggled in the second half when Pogba came short.
Hakan Calhanoglu 6/10
Tried to create chances but had no target. Great cross to Ibra in the second half.
Rade Krunic 5/10
Missed a big chance. Not much else of note really.
Alexis Saelemaekers 6/10
Lively but no end product.
Samu Castillejo 5/10
Played out of position and it showed. Came off for Zlatan.
Substitutes:
Diogo Dalot 5/10
A couple of decent crosses but bullied by Pogba for a good 30 minutes.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 6/10
Had one chance but denied by Henderson. Not the return he was hoping for.
Brahim Diaz 6.5/10
Lively and involved in the Milan attack frequently but no end product.
Stefano Pioli 5/10
Tried to press United and counter them but it rarely worked and United figured and played out of their press almost effortlessly. Subs made more of a difference but too little too late.
Dean Henderson 8.5/10
One crucial save to deny Zlatan but calm and composed throughout.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 8.5/10
Good defending but couldn’t push in attack.
Victor Lindelof 9/10
Tremedous performance. Even when Ibrahimovic came on he looked aggressive, strong and confident. Big game player.
Harry Maguire 9/10
Similarly exceptional. Created a lot of United’s attacks and his chemistry with Lindelof and Shaw is crucial both in stopping goals and creating attacks.
Luke Shaw 9/10
Got forward with intent as per usual and defended excellently bar one slight lack of awareness. Great game.
Scott McTominay 8.5/10
Played out well for the most-part and defended robustly and with energy.
Fred 8/10
Awful first half but made up for it with a brilliant second! Crucial influence in the winner and performed very well after that.
Bruno Fernandes 8/10
Crucial in all United’s attacks and switched the play often to create space. Had one big chance but spooned it.
Marcus Rashford 7/10
Looked injured and came off but not before a big impact in the buildup play of United’s few chances.
Daniel James 7/10
Ran Hernandez ragged and worked so very hard all game but had two big chances to get United into the lead and failed to make them count.
Mason Greenwood 7.5/10
Great holdup and linkup play and tracked back well too. Still cannot get his goal but it’s coming.
Substitute:
Paul Pogba 8.5/10
Game changer! Beatiful chip to win the game and played brilliantly throughout. I so hope he stays. He is back to his best and is about as versatile as he’s ever been.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 8/10
The first half was disappointing but he got his side in at half time and made the change that won the game. For that he deserves credit but he got his side up for the cup tie in the second half and played well enough to win the game. He has to get them started well against Leicester who are in great form and playing good football. It will be no easy feat to beat them despite the injuries.
