Manchester United vs Roma Summary
Manchester United were the comeback kings once again as they put Roma to the sword in the Europa League Semi-Final first leg. The game started well with a superb goal from United where Pogba, Cavani and Fernandes combined for Fernades’ 25th goal of the season. However, Roma got a hugely controversial penalty and then poor marking earned them a second before half time. Things looked too similar to the Sevilla match but the difference came in the second half. A magnificent attacking performance saw United hit five second-half goals for the second time this season. A superb performance that leaves United with one foot in the Europa League final but plenty of football left to play. United now face Liverpool tomorrow and have to win. If so, they secure Top Four and prevent City from winning the league for at least one more Matchday. What’s more is they can do one over Liverpool and win a league game against their Merseyside rivals for the first time since 2018.
Manchester United vs Roma Player Ratings
David de Gea 6.5/10
Not much he could do about either goals. Held a Dzeko header well but had not much else to do.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7.5/10
Defended well but struggled with the overlap with Spinazzola but played much better when he came off. Crucial position in an advanced area for the second United lead.
Victor Lindelof 8/10
Good game. Dealt with Dzeko well for the most part. Passing was crisp and composed.
Harry Maguire 8.5/10
Left a bit high and dry for the second goal but all else was perfect from Maguire.
Luke Shaw 8/10
Let Dzeko get ahead of him for the goal but other than that a great game. Crucial in the attacking third.
Fred 7/10
Poor marking of Pellegrini for the goal but an almost flawless second half raised his performance rating. I expect he will start tomorrow.
Scott McTominay 8.5/10
Good game and defended well. Got forward on occasion but mostly tried to shift the play quickly.
Marcus Rashford 7.5/10
Lively at points but struggled on the right as we have seen this season. I think it would be more beneficial if Pogba plays more on the right as Rashford is far better on the left and Pogba will do a better job on the right that Rashford.
Bruno Fernandes 10/10
Brilliant. Two quality assists, a beautiful chip and an emphatic penalty. Involved in almost every goal. Magnfico.
Paul Pogba 10/10
Another sparkling performance. Also involved in almost every goal and looks more happy and confident with every game. Superb play all game and a bullet header.
Edinson Cavani 10/10
Thank god he’s staying! One world class finish, a poacher’s goal and two stunning assists caps off a MOTM performance at Old Trafford. I hope that the news he will extend his deal is true because it benefits the whole team and development of the squad for him to stay another year.
Substitutes:
Mason Greenwood 8/10
Small cameo but one moment and one goal. Clinical. His 2021 has revitalised a slow start and he has reached double figures this season. Not too shabby.
Juan Mata N/A
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 9/10
A lot of questions over the McFred partnership, especially at half time but Ole stuck to his guns and won the game with the team he selected. The football was beautiful and the result leaves us in an excellent position going into the second leg. Ole can afford to play a similar team tomorrow and rest a few in Rome with the likes of Telles, Donny and Bailly able to impress in the Europa League. Now it comes down to securing Top Four and not losing the title with a loss to Liverpool. That kind of defeat is a hard hit to take for any side and can take the wind from the team’s sails.
