Manchester United ratings as two-goal Paul Pogba earns a 9 in Champions League win

Sport360 staff 01:39 20/09/2018
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  • Paul Pogba starred in Manchester United's victory.

    Manchester United ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over Swiss champions Young Boys in their Champions League opener on Wednesday, with Paul Pogba scoring twice and setting up the third.

    It was a professional display from Jose Mourinho‘s side, who knew they needed a win with Valencia and Juventus awaiting in the upcoming Group H fixtures.

    Here’s how every player rated.

    STARTING XI

    David De Gea 7 – Barely had anything to do despite Young Boys offering a decent attacking threat, as most of his saves were fairly straight-forward. Did pull off one typically brilliant stop in the first half.

    Diogo Dalot 8 – A promising debut for the Portuguese youngster. For the first half an hour, he was the best player on the pitch for United, as he was solid in defence and threatening in attack.

    Chris Smalling 8 – Amid all the doom and gloom regarding United’s defence, Smalling is emerging as the club’s best centre-back. Read the game well and intervened with a well-timed tackle or crucial header more than once.

    Victor Lindelof 7 – Had one shaky moment as a miscommunication with Smalling nearly let Young Boys in, but other than that Lindelof put in a display full of poise at the back.

    Luke Shaw 7 – Shaw’s return to form is one of United’s biggest positives from this season. That he could deliver it here, right after coming back from a one-game absence, shows he’s finding a consistency that’s eluded him previously.

    Fred 6 – A mixed display from the Brazilian, who looked lively at times, pulled off some good passes and dribbles, but was a little off his best. His rashness when tracking back may end up costing United one day.

    Nemanja Matic 7 – A typical performance from the Serb, who recycled possession well and contributed in both defence and attack. His ability to cover for his centre-backs, as he did for Lindelof once here, is vital.

    Paul Pogba 9 – A sumptuous display, as he commanded midfield and scored a stunning goal. His penalty routine is already going thin but so far he’s scored three from four. A complete performance from the Frenchman.

    Marcus Rashford 8 – Had one of United’s best early chances to score, clipping the post with a clever flick early on. Looked lively on his return to the starting XI, giving the Young Boys full-backs a tough time.

    Romelu Lukaku 6 – The only United attacker who looked off-colour. Starved of service but he also failed to get involved – the Belgian had the joint-fewest touches, 24, of any starting XI player, alongside the Young Boys goalkeeper.

    Anthony Martial 8 – One of the Frenchman’s better displays as he looked like a threat throughout, and ended up getting a deserved, if slightly fortuitous, goal. More performances like this will earn him a regular starting berth.

    Pogba and Martial led United to victory.

    Pogba and Martial led United to victory.

    SUBSTITUTES

    Juan Mata 7 – Came on and nearly made an instant impact, fizzing a half-volleyed strike just wide and then blazing over from another chance. Was in the wars during his cameo but looked every bit the classy veteran he is.

    Marouane Fellaini 7 – He’s been taken back to his roots, being deployed as a defensive midfielder, and it’s clearly a position that suits him more as yet again he served as an excellent shield for the defence to help close out the game.

    Andreas Pereira 7 – Made his first appearance since being hauled off at halftime of United’s disastrous loss to Brighton. Played some neat, tidy passes and went on one mazy run that could have led to more.

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