“You want to see him play every week” – Man Utd players rated out of 10 as they demolish AZ
In an impressive night of football, Manchester United thrashed AZ 4-0 to win their Europa League group.
The Dutch side had been the competition’s top scorers but they drew a blank at Old Trafford as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men ran wild on them. Here’s how the Manchester United players rated at Old Trafford:
Manchester United
Sergio Romero – 7 – His 50th appearance for Manchester United and once again was solid as ever. It’s bizarre how no one has tried to prise Romero away from Old Trafford, because he’s far too good to be a back-up.
Ashley Young – 7 – Got caught out a few times defensively as AZ looked to exploit him but United managed to cover for him every time. A scorching finish to open the scoring was the undoubted high point of the captain’s night.
Axel Tuanzebe – 7 – A really good display at the back. Authoritative enough to give commands to his team-mates and demand more of them. Looks to be made of really stern stuff and seems a more natural partner for Maguire than anyone else at the club.
Juan Mata ➡️ Ashley Young
Man Utd's two most senior players on the pitch combine for their opening goal.
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 12, 2019
Harry Maguire – 6 – Played most of the game in second gear but this lead to him completely failing to pick up Calvin Stengs’ run and United should have conceded.
Brandon Williams – 7 – A manic bundle of energy up and down the flank as per usual. Never looked sure of what to do with the ball at his feet but the drive he adds to United and the lack of obvious weaknesses in his game make him a reliable performer.
Nemanja Matic – 7 – Cool, calm and collected. A really nice display from the Serb, the highlight being a lovely weighted pass in the build-up for United’s opener. Has found his level.
James Garner – 6 – Put himself about (though VAR would have chalked off Greenwood’s first goal as Garner’s seemingly great tackle was actually a foul) and played with confidence but often made the wrong decision both in terms of when to press and where to pass. Will improve with time.
Juan Mata – 8 – A consummate display from the veteran. Created chances and kept United looking fluid in attack. Played a huge role in the opening goal, culminating in a nice assist, and cooly dispatched a penalty to make it 3-0.
Mason Greenwood has become the youngest ever player to score a brace in a major European club competition for Man Utd.
Just 18 years, 72 days. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/9Lf2vZtG07
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 12, 2019
Mason Greenwood – 9 – Worked hard on the right all night. Ran well off the ball, moved into space, was a constant threat. This natural born goalscorer then tore into AZ in the second half, scoring two stunning strikes and winning a penalty in a six minute spell that turned a cagey 1-0 lead into a comfortable 4-0 cruise.
Greenwood is the kind of young talent that always seems to find a way to shine even if he isn’t always the most involved with games. His finishing ability alone is so effortless that you just want to see him play every week. Two goals against a side that had only conceded four goals in the previous five games is seriously impressive. A genuine phenomenon.
Andreas Pereira – 6 – Worked hard as ever, but a couple of flicks aside was rarely doing anything useful on the ball despite a soaring ambition to do so.
Anthony Martial – 5 – Nowhere near the peaks he’s hit in recent big games. Clearly not used to playing without Rashford and James. Almost never in the right position to link with his team-mates.
Substitutes:
Tahith Chong (for Martial 59′) – 5 – Did little with his 30 minutes but waste United attacks with poor play.
Ethan Laird (for Young 68′) – 5 – Offered some serious attacking intent with his muscular and driven performance, but his most notable incident was a yellow card.
Phil Jones (for Maguire 68′) – 5 – Came on late.
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