Pravir Singh
Manchester United Player Ratings vs CSKA
The relief was visible in a packed Old Trafford when Wayne Rooney finally headed Manchester United ahead in the 79th minute. They absolutely dominated possession with most the game being played in CSKA’s half. However, Moscow were absolutely resolute till the goal. Manchester United played much better than they did at the weekend and posed a larger threat. Their final ball though let them down on numerous occasions. A 1-0 victory puts United top of the group and in pole position to qualify for the Round of 16. However, the group is still very tight with only 1 point supporting the first three teams.
Player Ratings:
David De Gea- 7
Didn’t have anything to do expect when the ball was passed back to him for most of the game. However, he made a crucial save off Doumbia when the game was still at 0-0.
Ashley Young- 7.5
Young did very well at right-back. He was defensively good getting into the right positions. Naturally he is a winger and he did very well going forward down the right-hand side.
Chris Smalling- 8
Smalling was absolutely brilliant once again for United. He made an outrageous block to deny Doumbia from giving CSKA the lead.
Daley Blind- 7
Blind did a very good job partnering Smalling once again. Went about his job quietly but was very effective.
Marcos Rojo- 7
Rojo showed a lot of attacking intent tonight. However, he had two very good chances which he should have at least put on target if not in the back of the net.
Michael Carrick- 7.5
He looked a little sloppy initially but soon turned that around. He did a very good job moving the ball around. He almost opened the scoring for United when his beautifully hit volley when just wide. It was his ball into Lingard who then provided the assist for Rooney.
Bastian Schweinsteiger- 7
Schweinsteiger put in a good performance today. His passing and movement was good. Not only that, he made a few very good runs looking to make things happen.
Juan Mata- 6
Mata’s relatively poor run continued. He had a few moments here and there. Made a good run in behind and was found beautifully by Blind, however, he couldn’t get enough on the ball. Was eventually replaced by Memphis in the 73rd minute.
Wayne Rooney- 7
Wayne Rooney had a much better game in the number 10 position tonight. His movement was very good and it was he who broke the deadlock for United.
Jesse Lingard- 7.5
Lingard was very impressive tonight. He had a few chances earlier on where he should have done much better. However, he was very bright throughout the game and was full of running till the end. He provided the assist for Rooney’s goal.
Anthony Martial- 6
Martial was finally played through the middle but didn’t have a great night. There were massive boos when he was replaced by Marouane Fellaini however it was once of his least impressive performances since joining United.
Substitutes:
Marouane Fellaini- 5.5
He was supposed to give an aerial threat however he didn’t really impact the game much.
Memphis-5
He had a chance to be the hero, but he failed miserably. Seems like he needs to change his attitude and really up his game.
Herrera- N/A
Herrera came on with only two minutes remaining.
