Roma vs Manchester United Summary
Manchester United lost the battle but won the war in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against AS Roma. A 3-2 loss away from home meant very little to United as they advanced to the final on an 8-5 aggregate win to face Villarreal. United started nervously and easily could have conceded four or five if not for David de Gea who was astonishing all game and Cavani’s class showed at the other end with two superb finishes. Roma got two lucky goals and one wonder strike but all due to defensive errors in the second half and will be a bitter pill to swallow for the team. However, on the not-so-distant horizon, there are bigger fish to fry. Three games in seven days will determine United’s league campaign as they face Villa, Leicester and Liverpool. One win will secure Champions League football and the sooner the better with the fixtures tightening. Leicester’s loss yesterday was a massive boost for United and if things go their way, they could wrap up the season sooner than expected. The whole team will be needed in the run in and so no one can switch off and everyone will have a chance to impress ahead of the Europa League final.
Roma vs Manchester United Player Ratings
David de Gea 10/10
10/10 for ten saves in Rome. Brilliant performance from De Gea who kept United in the game with not one, but two double saves. Unbelievable game and deserves all the praise he has recieved from this match. I think he deserves to start the final and a decision will be made over his future in the summer.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7/10
Solid defensively and kept his side of the bargain during the first half. Right decision to take him off as he will be crucial for the week ahead.
Eric Bailly 7.5/10
Great recovery pace and decent distribution. If he can stay fit he offers so much quality be it as a regular or in the squad. But that is a big if. Cannot fault either Bailly or Maguire for any of the goals.
Harry Maguire 8/10
He was almost faultless. Unlucky with the Dzeko goal as the scuff from Pedro just went over his head. Played well and will likely start against Villa but I can see him missing one of next week’s matches which sadly ends his run in the League.
Luke Shaw 7/10
Lost his concentration once or twice perhaps due to fatigue but mostly solid. Likewise, will be needed against Villa but I can see him being rested against Leicester.
Fred 5/10
Superb assist to Cavani but messed about in the second half and got booked before giving the ball away for the goal. Of him and McTominay, he seems to need the other more than Scott.
Paul Pogba 7/10
Controlled the game well but needed to be rested after an hour after the game was sealed.
Bruno Fernandes 8/10
Gorgeous assist and could have had more. Tried an audacious scorpion but missed the ball.
Mason Greenwood 6/10
Decent outing but missed a huge chance that I think he should have scored.
Donny van de Beek 8/10
I was very impressed with van de Beek’s performance. His linkup was excellent and even on the left he found great pockets of space. There will be a big part for him to play in the run-in.
Edinson Cavani 9/10
Utterly magnificent. You thought it may not be his night with the chip but two wonderful goals sealed United’s place in the final.
Substitutes:
Alex Telles 4/10
I can’t understand how it happened but he was awful all second half. Could not defend but did play some decent attacking balls.
Brandon Williams 5/10
Not as bad as Telles but clearly lacking sharpness. I think he needs a loan as long as United can secure a right back in the summer. He needs to play regularly in the top flight.
Nemanja Matic 6.5/10
Calmed the game down and passed the ball nicely.
Marcus Rashford 6/10
Offered width but couldn’t get into the game.
Juan Mata N/A
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 7/10
Made the right substitutions after the game was sealed. I think he knows he needs another right back and Telles needs to work on his defensive side during the summer. Rested crucial players ahead of a tricky week and will be hoping that results go his way ahead of the Villa game so he can rotate much more in the final weeks.
