Man Utd player ratings: Joshua Zirkzee hooked again as Lisandro Martinez saves Erik ten Hag's blushes
09/25/2024 05:03 PM
MANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off on the wrong foot with a miserable 1-1 draw against Twente at Old Trafford.
Christian Eriksen opened the scoring after 35 minutes to prove why United are among the favourites to win the competition this season.
And Eriksen did it in style with a powerful curling header after a moment of confusion in the Dutch outfit’s defence.
However, the visitors dealt Erik ten Hag‘s men yet another upset on 68 minutes when Sam Lammers equalised.
The result works as quite a blow in the Red Devils’ hopes of finishing in the top eight of the League Phase, which would guarantee a place in the Last 16 of the Europa League.
But who stood out for Man Utd? Who failed to live up to expectation? Here’s how Martin Blackburn rates each of Ten Hag’s players:
ANDRE ONANA – 6
Good save to push a free-kick from Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente goal.
DIOGO DALOT – 6
Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but caused problems at the other end in build up to Eriksen goal.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with header cleared off line.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7
Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have prove costly.
NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6
New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7
Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.
MANUEL UGARTE – 6
A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 8
Much improved display in front of watching Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 6
Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.
AMAD DIALLO – 6
His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Garnacho midway through the second half.
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 5
A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors keeper after nice link up with Dalot – but then hooked for the fit again Hojlund.
SUBS
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO for Diallo 67 – 6
Got an earful off ten Hag for not doing his bit defensively
KOBBIE MAINOO for Eriksen 78 – 5
Went to ground too easily as he got a sight of goal.
MASON MOUNT for Zirkzee 79 – 5
Teed up a late chance for Garnacho
RASMUS HOJLUND for Rashford 79 – 5
Still working his way back to fitness after injury.
