Manchester United cruised to an emphatic 5-0 win over Bundesliga leaders RB Leipzig on Wednesday night, giving Ole Gunner Solksjaer’s men a chance to show what they are really capable of after some below par showings in the Premier League.
Manchester United Player Ratings After Champions League Clash
Leipzig Dominating Their Domestic League
Even though Leipzig are flying high in the Bundesliga, yet to be beaten in the league, they were humbled by the Red Devils last night who put five past them.
Mason Greenwood, who is still just 19 years of age, bagged the first goal of the game in the 21st minute to give United the lead at half time.
It was a spell of 15 minutes at the back end of the game, though, that really stood out for the Red Devils. Marcus Rashford fired home to make it 2-0 in the 74th minute and the floodgates opened.
He bagged another just four minutes later and after Anthony Martial fired home a late penalty, Rashford sealed his hat-trick and a superb win for his club in the 92nd minute.
It was a good day at the office for Ole and with that in mind, here are our Manchester United player ratings.
United Player Ratings
David De Gea – 7
David de Gea made a few key saves to keep RB Leipzig at bay and stop them from scoring whatsoever, despite the fact they are currently doing impressively well domestically. He looked like the De Gea of old and was rewarded with a clean sheet for his efforts.
Eventually subbed off, Aaron Wan-Bissaka was solid throughout as he does tend to be down his side of the field. He showed his defensive qualities throughout, too.
Victor Lindelof – 7
Another who remained solid throughout and helped to nullify the potential threat of Leipzig, Victor Lindelof didn’t allow many chances for the German side and put a good shift in.
Harry Maguire – 7
Harry Maguire has had an up and down season and this was definitely an up for him. By making several clearances, tackles and interceptions he was a wall at the back and like his partner Lindelof allowed Leipzig nothing in attack.
Luke Shaw – 8
Shaw was arguably one of United’s better players on the night. Not only did he contribute effectively in defence, constantly bombarding the left flank stopping potential counter attacks from Leipzig, but he also provided a large attacking threat. He produced a number of attacking crosses and helped his side at both ends of the pitch.
Fred – 8
For his defensive efforts, Fred could be no less than an 8. Although his passing was wayward at times, he helped his side control the midfield and provided another layer or protection for his side with his excellent work to break up opposition attacks.
Nemanja Matic – 7
Like Fred, Nemanja Matic helped stabilise and control the midfield and was able to help shore up the midfield and lead his side to victory.
Paul Pogba – 8
Paul Pogba played some of his better football last night. With an 88.6% pass accuracy and a number of big chances created (including an assist), he looked like the creative midfielder he is capable of being.
Another who aided the midfield with his passing ability (89.7% pass accuracy on the night), Donny van de Beek wasn’t as attacking or creative as Pogba despite his role being further forward, but his game was all-round still good for the Red Devils.
Anthony Martial – 7
Anthony Martial looked excellent in the second half and one of the best attacking threats on the pitch once Bruno Fernandes entered the fray. Bagged a goal too and was a job well done for the Frenchman.
Mason Greenwood – 7
Mason Greenwood looks good for his age and it’s hard not to believe the hype. Although not his best showing, he still bagged a great goal and looks dangerous in attacking areas when he gets the ball to his feet.
SUBS
Axel Tuanzebe – 6
Didn’t feature for long enough to have a proper influence on the game or for a higher rating.
Scott McTominay – 7
Scott McTominay came off the bench too and was another to have a solid showing despite only featuring for the latter part of the game. Looking good this season for United.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
It has to be noted that Bruno Fernandes made an incredible impact from the bench. When he came on with United, they instantly looked a lot more threatening in attack and it’s hard to argue that he isn’t the best player in the team. What he adds when he is on the pitch for the Red Devils cannot be understated.
Marcus Rashford – 9
Rashford has proven that it is most definitely possible for a substitute to be the best player on the field and to be our man of the match, receiving the highest of our United player ratings. He looked dangerous with the ball, was the player with the most attacking drive for the Manchester side, and managed to score a hat-trick—the fastest from a substitute in Champions League history. He’s doing so much both on and off the pitch lately that he’s steadily becoming one of the most admired player by any fan in the United Kingdom to date.
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