Wednesday 20 October 2021

Player ratings: Man Utd 3-2 Atalanta - Fernandes and Ronaldo shine

Never in doubt!

Cristiano Ronaldo headed the winner as Manchester United completed a dramatic, climb-off-the-canvas comeback to turn a thrilling Champions League tie on its head and go top of Group F. 

In truth, United could and should have been out of sight by half-time having fallen 0-2 behind but missed a hatful of chances. Marcus Rashford pulled a goal back before captain Harry Maguire levelled to set the stage for that man Ronaldo to send Old Trafford wild. 

Here is how we rated each Red on a heart-stopping night in M16. Viva Ronaldo!

David de Gea - 7

Had relatively little to do and wasn't to blame for either goal. His magnificent double save at 1-2 surely kept us in the tie. If either go in, it's game over. How pivotal it proved to be

Aaron Wan - Bissaka - 7

Contributed little at either end but seemed to get better as the tie went on. Surged forward superbly in the second half onslaught.

Harry Maguire - 6

Showed leadership and courage in the second half and popped up with a captain's goal to level. Could have perhaps done more to prevent the Mario Pasalic opener.

Victor Lindelof - 5

Looked very much like the third choice centre-back he now is. Got bullied by Luis Muriel and was spun too often. A below par showing from the Swede. 

Luke Shaw - 7

Caught out on the corner for the second goal but redeemed himself with a worldie of a cross for Ronaldo's coup de grace.

Scott McTominay - 5

Thumped the post at 1-2 but couldn't get near Pasalic and was hooked after an hour as United looked to chase the game.

Fred - 6

Played with his usual insatiable energy, tested Juan Musso and should have scored just before half-time. His passing was typically sloppy but actually had one of his better games

Mason Greenwood - 5

Pressed high and well early on but faded to the fringes even as the Reds took the upper hand. The 20-year-old has been our best player this season but struggled here.

Bruno Fernandes - 7

Poor in the first half but, like so many, came alive after the interval. Set up Rashford with a filthy assist to start the revival and put the cross in for his captain to equalise. Even when not at his best, his impact is seminal

Marcus Rashford - 6

Looked lively and back to full fitness but squandered two good chances and struck the bar when he should have scored. Came off with a knock after a nice finish

Cristiano Ronaldo - 8

Created chances for Fred and Rashford and should have scored himself before he was there to meet Shaw's cross. A player made for nights like this. Viva Ronaldo! Siuuuuu

Substitutes

Edinson Cavani (for Rashford 66) - 6

Relentless work rate, ran his nuts off and might claim an assist for Maguire as he got a flick on Fernandes' cross

Paul Pogba (for McTominay 66) - 8

Magnificent when he came on. Carried the ball, pressed, linked superbly, broke the lines and pushed Atalanta back. 

Jadon Sancho (for Greenwood 73) - 6

Showed glimpses again with some darting runs in behind.

Nemanja Matic (for Fred 88) - N/A

Brought on to sit in midfield and see the game out. No rating. 



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