Manchester United’s miserable season continued with a goalless draw against Valencia in the Champions League.
A clash that pitted 10th in the Premier League against 14th in La Liga lived up to its shoddy billing. The hosts struggled to create decent chances, with England forward Marcus Rashford’s rattling of the crossbar from an ambitious free-kick out wide in the 86th minute providing the sole highlight.
As for Valencia, Portugal forward Goncalo Guedes’ awful decision making ruined several promising moments.
Here are the United player ratings from this forgettable Group H-clash as under-pressure manager Jose Mourinho oversaw a dismal fourth match without a win in all competitions:
MAN UNITED (4-3-3)
David De Gea – 7: Was always alert to the danger posed by Valencia when they got in behind. Got firmly behind one first-half effort from wasteful Guedes.
Antonio Valencia – 4: The 33-year-old Ecuador right-back continues to creak at the start of 2018/19. Constantly vacated space for Guedes to fill. Was lucky the attacker’s decision making was so off.
Eric Bailly – 6: Eventful display, as always. Put pressure on Spain forward Rodrigo, plus tried to cover for the errant Valencia. Took a blow to the chops in the first half. Also comically blazed bouncing ball wide from about 40 yards.
Chris Smalling – 6: One appalling pass aside, the ditched England centre-back was pretty solid.
Luke Shaw – 7: United’s timid approach demanded Shaw to sit back, as Valencia pushed on. Made one excellent tackle in the first half to snub out danger. Got forward well when allowed.
Nemanja Matic – 5: Dismal start to the campaign continued. Has lost air of authority. Once Valencia got the ball on the floor, he was chasing shadows.
Marouane Fellaini – 5: Was befuddled and bamboozled by the energy of opposite number Geoffrey Kondogbia.
Paul Pogba – 6: A few flicks came off, a few didn’t. You’d normally ask for more from such a talented player, but in this febrile atmosphere between himself and Mouirnho this was an improvement. Brazil goalkeeper Neto stretched to push over a 30-yard free-kick in the second half.
Alexis Sanchez – 3: Either no longer has the legs to get close to the central striker from out wide, or is struggling in a tactical straitjacket. Lacked conviction when in good positions, plus his pass accuracy (69.4 per cent) was the worst of any United outfield player. Last scored a competitive goal for United on April 21 and hasn’t completed 90 minutes since the opening-day win against Leicester City in the Premier League.
Romelu Lukaku – 5: It’s easy to feel sorry for Lukaku in this United set-up. Starved of quality chances. Produced a header and rasping low shot in the second half. It’s now five games since he scored. Got only United booking.
Marcus Rashford – 6: Pinged in a few shots from 20 yards, hit the crossbar and was not scared to run at his marker. Didn’t help himself, however, with several uncertain touches. Bar aforementioned shot, set-piece delivery was suspect.
2 - Manchester United have not lost back-to-back home Champions League games since March 2013, when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge. Reckoning. pic.twitter.com/sb2vkZDSWX
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 2, 2018
SUBS
Anthony Martial – N/A: Was chopped down after one intricate dribble, winning the free-kick for Rashford to smash the woodwork. Deserves more starts ahead of woeful Sanchez.
