MAN UNITED 1-1 VILLAREAL (Villareal win 11-10 on penalties)
Gerónimo Rulli rules in Gdansk. The full Manchester United ratings are a mixed bag after Villareal stunned the big dogs with a penalty shoot-out win.
United goalkeeper David De Gea will carry the can – after his penalty shoot-out nightmare – but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has lots of questions to answer after a poor night on the sideline.
United had the bulk of possession in the first half, but Villareal were content to smother them out when they got to the final third. Apart from fizzing some crosses in and a couple of shots wide, Villareal looked comfortable.
A foul by Aaron Wan-Bissaka gave the Spaniards a set-piece from 35 yards out that United – not for the first time this season – struggled to deal with. Victor Lindelof was lost under the ball and Gerard Moreno got a strike on goal that David De Gea could not stop.
Gerard Moreno slots home against Manchester United. (Photo by Janek Skarzynski – Pool/Getty Images)United started the second half brightly and Edinson Cavani rewarded their early endeavours with a 53rd minute strike.
Again, United had the running of another half but Paul Pogba’s header over, from eight yards out, was the best they could manage. It meant a nervy injury time as Pau Torres curled over when well placed in the United box. (Man United 1-1 Villareal: After 90 minutes)
EXTRA TIME
The first period of extra time saw United – possibly flagging and with no subs used – dropping back. Luke Shaw was needed in defence and made a couple of clearing headers at the back post.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer responded by bringing on Fred, but he looked to be banking on most of his starters to get United over the line. The United boss ran the clock down by bringing on more subs and we were off to the shoot-out.
De Gea conceded 11 straight penalties then missed with what was the final spot-kick of the night.
Here’s how we rated Solskjaer’s men:
David De Gea – 5
Had very little to do, other than take the ball out of his net in the first half. Shocker in the shoot-out. The miss was understandable. Not saving any of the 11 penalties was not.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7
Played well advanced up the right flank and got some decent balls into the box. Effectively played as right winger in the second half and got some testers in.
Victor Lindelof – 5
Once again too passive at set-pieces and was caught dozing for Moreno’s goal. Got his act together, thereafter.
Eric Bailly – 5
Tried a bonkers overhead kick clearance inside his box, and missed the ball. Standard, really.
Luke Shaw – 8
Flashed a low drive just wide in the early stages. Pressed high and looked more dangerous in the second half. Up there with McTominay as the best player on the night.
Paul Pogba – 6
Far too casual in possession. Showed up in defence well with a couple of clearing headers. Disappointed to head over in the final minutes.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Did not get a sniff in the first half. Capoue hounded him all night. His shoot-out penalty was the best thing he could manage all night.
Scott McTominay – 8
Dragged an early effort wide. Blocked a goal-bound effort over the United bar. Forced a second half corner when his strike was deflected over. A ball of constructive energy all night. Drove his team forward.
Mason Greenwood – 7
Fizzed in one dangerous cross in the opening 45 minutes. Denied what looked to be a good penalty shout before Cavani’s goal. Brought
Marcus Rashford – 5
United fans were crying out for him to take on the Villareal defenders. The one time he did it in the first half, he roasted his man and almost forced a goal. Restricted to one pop from distance in the first half. Like many of his teammates, upped the tempo after the break. His shot was deflected for Cavani’s goal. Slotted his penalty well.
Edinson Cavani – 7
Poor touch in the box as he tried to tee up Rashford for a strike. Business picked up in the second half when he stroked home United’s equaliser. Somehow got his head on a wayward Shaw strike but was blocked by a yellow jersey. Penalty in the shoot-out was excellent.
SUBS
Fred, Axel Tuanzebe, Juan Mata, Alex Telles and Daniel James were all tossed on too late in the piece to have any real impact on affairs
