Marcus Rashford’s brilliant finish and Bruno Fernande’s penalty gave Manchester United a comfortable lead in the Europa League quarter-final with Granada when they ran 2-0 winners in the first stage in Spain.
England’s international Rashford blocked Victor Lindelof’s glorious long ball to check and finish, while Fernandes converted a penalty that goalkeeper Rui Silva got another hand but could not bear to give the visitors a vital pillow for next week’s return match.
Fernande’s penalty gave United a vital cushion | CRISTINA QUICLER / Getty Images
The game was largely lacking in quality and was often punctured by nasty and petulant fouls, and United will be without a number of players due to suspensions.
Here are the United players’ ratings from a solid night’s work in Andalusia.
Victor Lindelof> Toni Kroos
– Scott Saunders (@_scottsaunders) April 8, 2021
David de Gea (GK) – 6/10 – Kenedy gave him a few shots to catch, but it was as tough as it got for the returning Spaniard.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) – 6/10 – Turn off the right side for United and offer their usual robust defensive skills. Did not really get off for him in the attacking third.
Harry Maguire (CB) – 6/10 – Dribbled the ball out from the back a few times and took a few strokes throughout the match. However, he got booked for a hassle with Roberto Soldado and will miss the return fixture.
Victor Lindelof (CB) – 7/10 – A great pass that put Rashford in goal helped United secure the victory. Steve McManaman would have described it as “just a 50-yard pass”, it was so good.
Luke Shaw (LB) – 5/10 – Yellow card for a late cut and will also miss next week’s game. Take off at half time.
BRUNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
? #MUFC? #UEL pic.twitter.com/1hGDUVHMdt
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 8, 2021
Paul Pogba (CM) – 5/10 – Booked early to bring down Granada winger Kenedy. It was not possible to have a big impact during the second half and was eliminated.
Scott McTominay (CM) – 6/10 – Also booked during the first half and will miss the second stage. Was one of United’s biggest outlets with the ball and was easily accessible, but did not use the possession very well.
Bruno Fernandes (AM) – 7/10 – Made a number of important passes but was not his usual dangerous self around the penalty area and was taken away six times – a game high. Got his chance with the penalty and was usually composed – although Silva might have saved it another day.
Rashford prepares to lift Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Daniel James (RW) – 6/10 – Somehow he managed to injure Domingo’s Duarte while receiving a terrible challenge from the Granada defender. Was a good exit to the left even though his last ball was sometimes missing.
Mason Greenwood (ST) – 5/10 – Wasted some decent openings on the counter by dripping and was removed a few times. Will have more opportunities as the central striker but this was not his most effective outing.
Marcus Rashford (LW) – 7/10 – Got brilliantly down Lindelof’s rake pass to the slot in United’s opener. Lost possession three times and was taken out after the hour for Cavani.
Alex Telles – 5/10 – Replaced Shaw at half time and was neither more nor less impressive. Pretty bland.
Edinson Cavani – 6/10 – Some nice details and kept the ball well up on the counter.
Nemanja Matic – 5/10 – Came into the midfield and got a booking.
Donny van de Beek – N / A – Like many of his appearances this season, he had no time to make an impact.
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