Manchester United sealed a place in the knockout phases of the UEFA Europa League after they defeated Partizan Belgrade 3-0 at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
Manchester United started the stronger of the two sides and were up and running in the 21st minute through a Mason Greenwood strike, after Marcus Rashford had missed a number of chances. Anthony Martial made it 2-0 in the 33rd minute in fine fashion, poking past the Partizan goalkeeper after gliding past two opposition players.
Rashford put the game to bed four minutes into the second period with a sumptuous left-footed finish to confirm Manchester United’s place in the Round of 32 of the competition with two games to spare. Here’s how we rated the performances of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men on the night.
A good night's work for #MUFC means we're through to the last 32 of the #UEL ?
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 7, 2019
Sergio Romero: 6/10
The Manchester United goalkeeper was a spectator for the entire game as Partizan barely threatened in front of goal and did not have a single shot on target on Thursday night. Reacted well to any speculative long balls from the visitors.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 7/10
A major improvement on his performance this past weekend against Bournemouth. Wan-Bissaka did not have a lot to do defensively, which allowed him to push forward at every given occasion. Sent in a number of dangerous crosses, including two in the first half, which Rashford could not capitalise on.
Harry Maguire: 6/10
Apart from a rash moment in the first half when he was saved by the offside flag, the world’s most expensive defender had a pretty straightforward outing. Kept things simple and uncomplicated at the back, although there were a few passes misplaced here and there.
Marcos Rojo: 7/10
Solid and reliable at the heart of the Manchester United defence, the Argentine hardly put a foot wrong on Thursday night. Marshaled Umar Sadiq fairly well when the on-loan Partizan forward looked to threaten, helping his team to a fourth clean sheet in this season’s Europa League.
Ashley Young: 6/10
Handed a start since he is suspended for the weekend Premier League game, the Manchester United captain enjoyed a fairly comfortable day in the office. Lovely little layoff for Rashford’s goal in the second period. Wasn’t tested defensively by the visitors, but did get caught out of position on a few occasions, providing Partizan with an opening or two.
Scott McTominay: 6.5/10
Another typical Scott McTominay performance filled with energy and purpose. The Scotsman was always forward-thinking with his passes, setting the tempo for United’s attacks, but there were occasions when his passes didn’t meet the intended targets. Came off with a knock to his ankle in the 75th minute and Solskjaer will be hoping that it is nothing serious.
Fred: 6/10
The Brazilian continues to show signs of improvement with every passing game. Worked hard in the middle and tried to get his team going with incisive forward passes. Apart from a poor backpass that almost let Sadiq in, it was another decent performance from Fred before being replaced at the hour mark.
Mason Greenwood: 8/10
The youngster was handed a start by Solskjaer on the night and he made it count, scoring his second Europa League goal at Old Trafford with a neat cut-back and finish. He then got the assist for Martial’s goal as well with a blocked clearance. Sharp and lively in the final third, Greenwood once again showed what a bright talent he is.
Juan Mata: 7/10
Handed a rare start, the Spaniard took his opportunity with aplomb. Constantly got into dangerous spaces and made things happen, including the lovely cut-back for a Rashford chance in the first period. Found Young with a precise pass in the lead-up to Manchester United’s third goal. His most impressive display in recent memory.
Marcus Rashford: 8/10
Marcus Rashford’s game by numbers vs. Partizan Belgrade:
92% pass accuracy
18/20 final third passes
6 shots (4 on target)
5 successful take-ons
2 chances created
1 big chance created
1 goalContinued his good scoring form. ? pic.twitter.com/kLB8ofpKfo
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 7, 2019
Started in a bit of a profligate manner, shooting off target on two occasions from promising positions, while seeing two more shots being saved by the Partizan goalkeeper. Got his goal finally after the break with a thumping first-time finish with his weaker foot. Was a real menace to the opposition with his pace and movement, while some of his link-up play was delightful.
Anthony Martial: 8/10
Caused problems with some brilliant interplay with Rashford. Had a goal ruled out for offside and chipped one over the bar. But, in between, Martial produced a moment of magic reminiscent of his debut goal against Liverpool as he eased past the opposition players to prod home for Manchester United’s second goal of the night. Has made such a difference since his return from injury.
Substitutes
James Garner: 6/10
Replaced Fred around the hour mark. Solid on his Old Trafford debut, as he helped United see out the game without any hiccups.
Andreas Pereira: 5/10
Came on for Rashford with a little over twenty minutes left. Some nice touches here and there.
Jesse Lingard: N/A
Came on to replace the injured McTominay for the final fifteen minutes. Did little of note.
