Cristiano Ronaldo starred again while Raphael Varane and Juan Mata also impressed as Manchester United beat Brentford 3-0 in the Premier League.
Manchester United were up and running just nine minutes into the game as Anthony Elanga did well to find Bruno Fernandes with a cutback, with the Portuguese star volleying home from close range to open the scoring. Brentford reacted strongly to going behind, carving out a couple of chances for Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo, while Juan Mata went close at the other end.
Manchester United seemed to have made it 2-0 close to half-time when Cristiano Ronaldo found the back of the net after being found by Mata. But the Portuguese had strayed offside, and the VAR chalked off the goal. The home team continued their good work in the second half but had to rely on David de Gea’s fine save from Toney to stay in front.
However, at the hour mark, Manchester United were awarded a penalty as Ronaldo was brought down by a rash challenge from Rico Henry. The 37-year-old superstar stepped up and bundled home his 18th league goal of the season to make it 2-0. Ten minutes later, Raphael Varane was at hand to volley home from an Alex Telles corner to put the game to bed.
Manchester United managed to end a three-game winless run in the league in what was their final home match of the season. The result also sees Ralf Rangnick’s side open up a six-point lead over seventh-placed West Ham United, effectively sealing their berth for UEFA Europa League next season. Here are our player ratings from Monday night’s clash at Old Trafford.
Manchester United Player Ratings
David de Gea: 7/10
Clean Sheet @D_DeGea ? pic.twitter.com/zxWts6mh6D
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) May 2, 2022
The Manchester United goalkeeper was not tested much on the night but was alert whenever he needed to be, stopping Toney in the second half and producing a good save to keep out Christian Eriksen’s freekick.
Diogo Dalot: 6.5/10
A much better showing than in recent games, Dalot had some promising moments on the ball as he found Ronaldo inside the box with a brilliant pass early into the game and then struck the woodwork. The Portuguese international was not stretched defensively, but still needs more polishing on his end product.
Victor Lindelof: 7/10
The Swede ended a run of poor games with a dependable display against Brentford. While he was not put under much pressure, Lindelof dealt with whatever came his way to secure a clean sheet.
Raphael Varane: 7.5/10
Raphaël Varane scores his first goal for Manchester United ? pic.twitter.com/0BudrqeYN5
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 2, 2022
Like Lindelof, Varane, too, was not given much to think about by Brentford at the back as he stayed steady and solid for the most part. The Frenchman’s biggest contribution came at the other end as he volleyed home a deflected effort to make it 3-0 in the second half.
Alex Telles: 6/10
The Brazilian once again looked the most vulnerable operator in the Manchester United defence, with Brentford targeting his flank early in the game. However, he recovered well and kept things tight while also getting the assist for Varane’s goal.
Scott McTominay: 6/10
The Scotsman was handed another start despite his poor display against Chelsea. And while he was not all that good, there was an improvement in his performance. McTominay got in some key tackles in midfield and tried to be progressive with his passes when on the ball.
Nemanja Matic: 7/10
Nemanja Matic comes off at Old Trafford for the last time. Nothing but a standing ovation ? pic.twitter.com/iQ0kPFvAFX
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 2, 2022
Playing his last home match for Manchester United, Matic was solid and assured in front of the defence and used the ball well too. The Serbian produced a brilliant pass to set Bruno Fernandes up for a chance in the second half, but the Portuguese failed to make the most of it. Matic was given a wonderful reception by the fans as he walked off the pitch after being subbed.
Anthony Elanga: 6/10
The Swedish youngster, who has been one of the few positives for Manchester United this term, started brilliantly, as he made a darting run before crossing for Fernandes to score the opener. However, Elanga failed to make any other notable contribution and faded with time.
Bruno Fernandes: 7/10
The Manchester United playmaker ended his goal drought with a fine volleyed effort after making a brilliant run into the box. He should have had another goal in the second half after being set up by Matic. Fernandes kept things ticking along for his team alongside Mata.
Juan Mata: 7.5/10
Juan Mata has still got that magic touch ? pic.twitter.com/n0vsWQ7EKt
— GOAL (@goal) May 2, 2022
The Spanish ace showed his class and quality in what could be his final Old Trafford appearance. Mata was the creative hub for Manchester United on the night as he constantly linked up with his teammates and performed neat exchanges while also playing defence-splitting passes regularly. He would have had an assist if Ronaldo had not strayed offside in the first half. A strong display from a player who has not been utilised properly this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 8/10
The Portuguese maverick continues to show why he is Manchester United’s main man in attack. Ronaldo made a fine run and chested down Dalot’s pass seamlessly early on but lost his balance before he could pull the trigger. He then scored but saw it get ruled out for a tight offside call. Ronaldo did get his goal in the second half with a fine penalty that he had won. The 37-year-old has now scored 18 goals in the league and 24 in all competitions.
Ronaldo in the 2008-09 PL season: 18 goals
Ronaldo in the 2021-22 PL season: 18 goalsLike he never left ? pic.twitter.com/D8Yp3WbIzr
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 2, 2022
SUBSTITUTES
Fred: 6/10
Fred made his return from injury, replacing Matic in the 70th minute. He was neat and tidy in his short cameo.
Phil Jones: 5/10
The long-serving defender came on for Mata in the 74th minute for what could be his final home game for Manchester United.
Edinson Cavani: 5/10
Another player making his last home appearance for the Red Devils.
