Man Utd vs Plzen: Player Ratings - A Dominant Display
Manchester United secured a comfortable victory against Viktoria Plzeň in their final Europa League group stage match. While the result was never in doubt, the performance offered a mixed bag. Let's delve into the individual player ratings, analyzing their contributions to the 4-2 win.
Goalkeepers
Andre Onana (7/10):
A relatively quiet night for Onana. While he wasn't heavily tested, he commanded his area well and dealt confidently with the few crosses and shots that came his way. A solid, if unspectacular, performance. His distribution remained accurate, contributing to United's build-up play.
Defenders
Diogo Dalot (7.5/10):
Dalot provided a consistent attacking threat down the right flank. His crosses were dangerous, and his overall energy was infectious. Defensively, he was solid, dealing effectively with Plzeň's attacks.
Victor Lindelöf (7/10):
A composed display from Lindelöf. He read the game well, made crucial interceptions, and showed his usual calmness on the ball. A reliable performance from the Swedish international.
Lisandro Martínez (7/10):
Martínez, as always, was aggressive and dominant in the heart of the defense. He won most of his aerial duels and made some vital tackles to thwart Plzeň's attacks. His passing accuracy was high, showcasing his all-around skillset.
Tyrell Malacia (7/10):
Similar to Dalot, Malacia provided good support down the left. His defensive contributions were strong, making key tackles and interceptions.
Midfielders
Casemiro (8/10):
A commanding presence in midfield. Casemiro dictated the tempo of the game, winning back possession and distributing the ball effectively. His influence was crucial in controlling the midfield battle. Man of the Match contender.
Christian Eriksen (7.5/10):
Eriksen orchestrated attacks with his usual elegance and vision. His passing range was excellent, creating several chances for his teammates. He controlled the tempo effectively.
Bruno Fernandes (8.5/10):
Fernandes was instrumental in United's attacking play. His creativity, passing, and movement were key in unlocking Plzeň's defense. He scored a fantastic goal and was involved in numerous chances. Another strong contender for Man of the Match.
Forwards
Antony (6.5/10):
Antony showed glimpses of his brilliance, showcasing his dribbling skills and creating a few opportunities. However, he could have been more decisive in front of goal.
Marcus Rashford (7.5/10):
Rashford's pace and direct running caused problems for Plzeň's defense all game. His movement off the ball was intelligent, creating space for teammates and himself. He was rewarded with a goal.
Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):
Garnacho provided energy and directness on the wing, contributing significantly to United's overall attacking output. His dribbling ability and threat were evident.
Substitutes
(Ratings based on limited game time):
- Martial: 6/10 - Showed his class in moments.
Overall
A comfortable victory for Manchester United, showcasing their attacking strength and midfield dominance. While some players could have been more clinical, the overall performance was encouraging. The team showed good cohesion and attacking fluidity, suggesting positive momentum heading into future fixtures. The performance highlighted the importance of both the established stars and the emerging talent within the squad.