Manchester United vs Villarreal Summary
Manchester United left it late to get the three points over Villarreal. Cristiano Ronaldo, Mr Champions League, won the match in the 95th minute after United typically went a goal down in the second half. The first half for United was utterly horrendous. A defensive collapse and a midfield overload gifted Villarreal a plethora of chances. Most of them came down the United right hand side and if not for Varane and De Gea, Villarreal would have buried them. In the second half, United started badly and conceded early in the half. An easy pass to Danjuma and Dalot defended poorly. The Dutchman put in a decent cross in the box and Alcacer bundled it in.
United woke up and levelled with a great goal. Bruno Fernandes clipped a freekick to the edge of the box and Telles hit a clean strike into the bottom corner. What a way to score your first goal for United! United huffed and puffed for a winner but it took till the last minute to get their goal. The subs had a crucial impact in the winning goal but who else but the inevitable Cristiano Ronaldo won the game with mere seconds on the clock.
What next for United?
It wasn’t the best performance from United and it certainly was a worrying one defensively. However, it was a massive win in the Champions League and one that will hopefully kick the team on to Saturday. United face Everton at Old Trafford in a crucial game before the international break. It could put United ahead of Liverpool, City or both and potentially send them to the top of the table. United have to take this chance and go into the break on a high as the next set of fixtures will make or break their season.
Manchester United vs Villarreal Player Ratings
David de Gea 10/10
Kept United in the game with some magnificent saves. 100% pass accuracy. Outstanding performance.
Diogo Dalot 2/10
On the flip side, he was awful. Got torn apart by Danjuma and at fault for the goal. I don’t think he’s ready to start regularly like some fans and it shows just how much we miss Wan-Bissaka.
Victor Lindelof 7/10
Played very well for the most-part. A bit sluggish for the goal but tightened up after that. Needs to have a good game against Everton and with no Calvert-Lewin he almost has a more difficult opponent in Salomon Rondon.
Raphael Varane 7.5/10
Made a goal saving challenge and almost cost United a goal. He was composed and collected for 99% of the game but made one bad error which fortunately went unpunished.
Alex Telles 7/10
Fantastic strike to level the game and made a great block late on to prevent a clear goal. Had a couple of bad moments defensively but did well mostly.
Scott McTominay 5/10
Was an isolated figure at times. The formation hampered his performance and was not entirely his fault. Looked better when Matic came on.
Paul Pogba 5/10
Played more advanced and while he made great runs it didn’t pay off in either box as United’s midfield was overrun.
Bruno Fernandes 7/10
Great assist and played very well for most the game. Was wasteful in front of goal.
Mason Greenwood 6.5/10
He struggled to get into the game at times but drove to the byline time after time trying to put in some wicked deliveries. Not all of them hit the mark but he didn’t stop. He could be rested at the weekend after a tough 90 minutes. He’ll have another international break to improve and develop further under Ole.
Jadon Sancho 7/10
Played well and looked more confident. I think it’s only a matter of time before he bags a goal or an assist, it’s coming.
Cristiano Ronaldo 8/10
Big. Game. Player. He may not have been as involved in the game as some would like but give him a chance, he buries it. Just a normal day at the office for a player of his calibre.
Subs
Edinson Cavani 8/10
His energy and movement caused havoc against Villarreal and was instrumental in the winning goal.
Nemanja Matic 7/10
Changed the game. The midfield looked so open before he came on and he made the line-breaking passes that helped United maintain control in the late stages. May have a role at the weekend.
Jesse Lingard 8/10
Again, another sub involved in the goal and this time directly. He could have had a couple but Rulli made a good save for his first attempt and he was clever enough to set Ronaldo up for the winner and draw the keeper off his line. He has a chance to start against Everton with his impact. His performances have warranted it.
Fred 7/10
Came on as a makeshift left back and didn’t put a foot wrong. Great cross for the winning goal. Shows his versatility.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 7/10
I don’t think he got the set-up right from the start. It clearly gave Villarreal the opportunity to batter United both in possession and on the counter. But he changed his mistakes and it won United the game. Is that not what you would call top class game managment? It was a scrappy win but once again the three points are more important than the performance and it gives United a platform to push on in their group.
