Man Utd Player Grades: Viktoria Plzen - A Dominant Display
Manchester United cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen in their Europa League group stage encounter. While the scoreline might suggest a routine win, the performance offered a mixed bag of individual displays. Let's delve into the player grades, analyzing both the strong points and areas for improvement.
Goalkeepers
Martin Dubravka: 7/10
Dubravka had a relatively quiet evening, facing minimal threat from the Czech side. His distribution was accurate, and he commanded his area effectively. While not called upon for spectacular saves, his calm presence contributed to United's overall defensive solidity.
Defenders
Diogo Dalot: 7.5/10
Dalot was a constant outlet down the right flank, providing width and delivering dangerous crosses. Defensively sound, he limited Viktoria Plzen's opportunities down his side. A consistently strong performance.
Victor Lindelöf: 7/10
Lindelöf was composed and assured at the back. He dealt effectively with aerial challenges and displayed good positional awareness. A solid, if unspectacular, display.
Lisandro Martínez: 7.5/10
Martínez continued his impressive form, showcasing his strength, aggression, and ball-playing ability. He was rarely troubled and contributed positively to United's build-up play from the back. Another strong showing from the Argentine.
Tyrell Malacia: 7/10
Malacia offered consistent defensive solidity on the left flank, showing energy and commitment. While his attacking contributions were less prominent than Dalot's, he fulfilled his defensive duties admirably.
Midfielders
Casemiro: 8/10
Casemiro controlled the midfield battle with his usual authority. His defensive work rate was exceptional, breaking up play and shielding the back four effectively. He dictated the tempo of the game, showcasing his immense experience and composure. A standout performance.
Christian Eriksen: 7.5/10
Eriksen orchestrated United's attacks from deep, showcasing his vision and passing range. His creative influence was vital in unlocking the Viktoria Plzen defence. A key component in United's overall dominance.
Bruno Fernandes: 7/10
Fernandes's performance was a little less impactful than his usual high standard. While he contributed diligently to the team, his creative spark was occasionally missing. Still a vital player, but room for improvement.
Forwards
Antony: 6.5/10
Antony displayed flashes of brilliance, showcasing his dribbling skills and direct running. However, he needs to improve his end product and decision-making in the final third. Potential is evident, but consistency remains a work in progress.
Marcus Rashford: 8/10
Rashford scored a well-taken goal and was a constant threat throughout the match. His pace, movement, and finishing ability were all on display. A deservedly high grade for a decisive performance.
Alejandro Garnacho: 7/10
Garnacho caused problems for the Viktoria Plzen defence with his pace and trickery. He provided a dynamic presence on the left wing and showed promising signs for the future.
Substitutes
Several substitutes came on and contributed positively, maintaining the high level of performance. Individual grades are difficult to provide for short appearances, but their contributions were valuable in securing the win.
Overall
Manchester United delivered a convincing performance against Viktoria Plzen. While some individual performances were more impactful than others, the team's overall display suggests a positive trajectory. The result strengthens their position in the Europa League group and builds confidence ahead of crucial Premier League fixtures. This game highlighted the strength in depth within the United squad.