Man Utd Player Ratings: PAOK, Amad Shines
Manchester United cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over PAOK in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie at Old Trafford. While the scoreline reflects a dominant performance, individual performances varied, with some players showcasing their quality and others struggling to make an impact. Here’s a breakdown of the Man Utd player ratings:
Star Performers
Amad Diallo (9/10): The young winger was undoubtedly the standout performer, showcasing his immense potential with a dazzling display. His pace, trickery, and directness troubled the PAOK defense throughout the game, resulting in two assists and a goal. He was a constant threat, consistently creating chances and keeping the PAOK defenders on their toes.
Bruno Fernandes (8/10): The Portuguese maestro orchestrated the attack with his usual flair, pulling the strings and dictating the tempo. His incisive passes and accurate set-pieces caused problems for PAOK, leading to the first goal. He provided another assist, showcasing his creative genius and solidifying his importance to the team.
Anthony Martial (7/10): Starting as the lone striker, Martial put in a solid performance, showcasing his clinical finishing. He expertly converted a penalty in the second half, adding to the lead and sealing the victory. His hold-up play and intelligent movement created space for his teammates, further highlighting his contribution to the team's success.
Solid Contributors
Luke Shaw (7/10): The left-back was a threat going forward, providing dangerous crosses into the box and creating opportunities. Defensively, he was solid, keeping his opponent quiet and contributing to the clean sheet.
Scott McTominay (6/10): The Scottish midfielder was his usual tenacious self, providing a strong defensive presence and winning the midfield battle. He distributed the ball efficiently, ensuring a smooth flow of the game, and was a reliable option for his teammates.
Fred (6/10): Alongside McTominay, Fred provided a strong foundation in midfield, breaking up play and shielding the defense. He also contributed to the attacking phase with intelligent passes and precise movement.
Mixed Performances
Donny van de Beek (5/10): The Dutch midfielder struggled to impose himself on the game. While he showed flashes of quality, his performance lacked the consistency required to truly influence the match. He needs to find his rhythm and confidence to unlock his full potential.
Marcus Rashford (5/10): Rashford seemed a bit off-key, lacking his usual cutting edge and precision. Despite starting on the left flank, he failed to create clear-cut chances or make a significant impact on the game. He needs to improve his decision-making and find his rhythm to regain his scoring form.
Disappointing Showings
Alex Telles (4/10): The left-back was arguably the weakest link in the United defense. He struggled to cope with the pace of the PAOK attackers, failing to track back effectively and making some crucial errors. His performance was far from convincing, and he needs to improve significantly to secure a regular starting spot.
Overall:
Manchester United put in a professional performance, securing a comfortable win and a significant advantage going into the second leg. While the result is encouraging, some players need to step up their game and showcase their true potential. Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, and Anthony Martial impressed, demonstrating their quality and contributing significantly to the victory. The team will need to continue their strong form and maintain their focus to secure a place in the next round of the competition.