Yahoo News Man United player ratings vs Villarreal: De Gea excellent, Dalot dire as Sancho subdued again
Manchester United came from behind to pick up a much-needed three points in the Champions League as Cristiano Ronaldo’s 95th-minute winner earned a 2-1 victory over Villarreal.
Here’s how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men rated at Old Trafford...
United’s best player made a string of superb first-half saves and could have done nothing about the goal. Poor parry almost gifted Dia winner but made amends by denying the substitute.
Alex Telles 7
Given an opportunity in Shaw’s absence and clearly does not possess the Englishman’s defensive nous but made up for it at the other end with stunning equaliser. Crucial block on Dia late on.
Victor Lindelof 6
Recalled in place of the injured Maguire and was the most solid of the United back four.
Raphael Varane 5
The only member of Solskjaer’s first-choice defenders available but was far from his usual assured self and first-half error should have been punished by Alcacer.
Diogo Dalot 3
Caught out of position to gift Danjuma early chance and did not improve as he was given a torrid time by the former Bournemouth man. Taken out too easily for the goal.
Scott McTominay 6
Asked to hold the fort in midfield alone at times as Pogba and Fernandes pressed on but much of Villarreal’s threat came from the flanks and often bypassed him.
Paul Pogba 5
Showed glimpses, including delightful chipped pass that almost brought own goal from Moreno, but balancing the team with him in it continues to be a problem for Solskjaer.
Bruno Fernandes 7
Unperturbed by Villa penalty miss, Portuguese was United’s brightest spark throughout and beautifully weighted free-kick set up Telles’ wonderstrike.
Jadon Sancho 5
Fluffed chance to put United ahead moments after equaliser as he lost his footing. Clearly desperate to impress and find form but this was another opportunity that largely passed him by.
Mason Greenwood 6
Quiet going forward in the first-half and should have offered Dalot more protection but improved after the break and brilliant cross should have been converted by Cavani.
Cristiano Ronaldo 6
Broke the record for most Champions League appearances and his 178th was one of his quietest until 95th-minute winner to get United out of jail.
Substitutes
Edinson Cavani (Pogba 75’) 6
Sent on to find winner and should have scored it when heading wide from Greenwood’s cross. Will be thankful Ronaldo’s goal eventually meant it did not matter.
Nemanja Matic (Sancho 75’) 6
Jesse Lingard (Greenwood 89’) 6
Went close at the near post before playing key role in Ronaldo’s winner.
Fred (Telles 89’) N/A
Unused: Heaton, Henderson, Bailly, Van de Beek, Mata, Elanga, Martial
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