United Beyond Manchester

Starting Eleven

Altay Bayindir: 6 – Bayindir’s play style in the win was simple: clear any ball that came near him. It was refreshing to see a United goalkeeper not dwelling on the ball too long and putting the back line under unnecessary pressure.

Matthijs De Ligt: 7 – De Ligt defended well on the right after playing through the middle in recent matches. When the Reds were a man up, the Dutchman was also a threat in attack, creating a big chance and providing multiple crosses.

Harry Maguire: 7 – Maguire returned to the starting eleven and put in a solid performance. United are far better at defending set pieces when he is on the field, as evidenced by the team conceding after his exit.

Luke Shaw: 7 – Shaw reacted quickest to a ball that looped high into the air, directing his header to Casemiro at the back post for the second goal. Defensively, he contributed with three tackles, three clearances, and two interceptions.

Noussair Mazraoui: 8 – Mazraoui was excellent on the right, especially in transition. He timed several critical tackles perfectly while tracking back and won all nine of his duels. He provided a perfect cross to find Dorgu, who supplied Bruno Fernandes for the opening goal.

Casemiro: 4 – Casemiro was well-positioned at the back post for an easy headed goal to make it 2-0 in the 37th minute. However, the Brazilian midfielder was rash, and while on a yellow card, made a pointless and rather foolish tackle to pick up a second yellow and red card.

Bruno Fernandes: 7 – When United needs a goal, Bruno steps up. His movement in the box was smart, earning him an easy finish and giving the Reds a lead.

Patrick Dorgu: 7 – Dorgu was excellent on the left, especially in the first half. His headed pass to Bruno for the first goal was brilliant and was the kind of final pass Manchester United needs more of.

Bryan Mbeumo: 6 – Mbeumo’s excellent run forced Robert Sanchez into a bad decision and an early red card. As always, he was lively and threatening, but was unable to find a final product.

Amad Diallo: 6 – Amad was not overly impactful going forward, but he showed his versatility, playing both attacking midfield and wing back.

Benjamin Sesko: 5 – Sesko failed to find the scoresheet again, but his flick to Mbeumo to earn the early red card was a defining moment. Outside of the flick, though, he managed only eight touches and zero shots.

Substitutes

Manuel Ugarte: 6 – Ugarte was called to replace Casemiro and did so admirably. He broke up play in the midfield, making three tackles, and cleared twice and blocked a shot in the back.

Matheus Cunha: 6 – Cunha returned from injury and was lively. Amorim’s team is better when he is on the pitch, so hopefully he will return to the starting eleven soon.

Leny Yoro: 4 – Yoro lost Trevoh Chalobah on a corner for an easy headed goal that put pressure on United late.

Mason Mount: 5 – Mount was quiet after coming on and only touched the ball nine times in his 21 minutes. Nonetheless, it was good to see him return from a short spell on the injury list.

Kobbie Mainoo: NR

Man of the Match: Noussair Mazraoui