Manchester United 2-1 Wolfsburg: Player Ratings

Manchester United came from behind to win 2-1 against Wolfsburg and earn their first three points in the Champions League this season.

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After Daniel Caligiuri put the Bundesliga side 1-0 up inside the first few minutes, United rallied and began to create chances in front of goal. The equaliser came when Juan Mata won and then converted a penalty 10 minutes before half-time.

Another 10 minutes after the break, United took the lead when Mata’s audacious flick was steered into the net by Chris Smalling.

Wolfsburg then stepped up their attack and took advantage of United’s sloppy play, at which point it seemed only a matter of time before the game would be tied at 2-2. But United held on in desperate fashion and are in a strong position to qualify from Group B with all four teams level on three points.

Here are the player ratings from the game:

David De Gea – 7

The Spaniard was blameless for Wolfsburg’s early goal and had little to do throughout the game. His kicking was largely excellent, though, and he managed to create a few opportunities for United to score with his quick distribution.

Antonio Valencia – 6

The Ecuadorian wasn’t expected to start the game and he was inexplicably out of position when Wolfsburg scored shortly after kick-off. Valencia defended reasonably well after that and provided some width on the right-hand side, but his lack of end product in attack once again proved frustrating and he was substituted at half-time for Ashley Young.

Chris Smalling – 8

As has been the case throughout the last nine months, Smalling was excellent. He won his one-on-one duels, scored the winner and was resolute in the final period of the game when an equaliser seemed inevitable. Right now, United can’t afford for him to get injured.

Daley Blind – 7

The Dutchman began the game at centre-back but was caught out when Wolfsburg took the lead. His passing was typically neat and tidy, but his lack of physicality told at certain moments during the game. Blind moved into midfield midway through the second half – the position United signed him to play – and did what was needed to protect the lead.

Matteo Darmian – 8

The Italian didn’t cover himself in glory when United fell behind early on but he grew stronger in the game as the minutes ticked by and was particularly impressive in the final 10 minutes of the game. He made a number of key blocks and tackles and never looked like being beaten in a one-on-one battle. Darmian’s versatility at right-back and left-back will likely prove invaluable over the next few months.

Morgan Schneiderlin – 5

The Frenchman really struggled in the game and was lucky not to be sent off. He committed a number of fouls and should have picked up a second yellow card when he gave away a free-kick 25 yards out with just minutes to go. Equally concerning, however, was Schneiderlin’s passing, which was poor. Wolfsburg seemed happy for him to have the ball, safe in the knowledge that he wouldn’t offer much of an attacking threat. Whisper it quietly, but he’s not played well for United in recent weeks.

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Bastian Schweinsteiger – 7

The German was one of United’s best players in the opening 45 minutes, spraying a number of key passes to Memphis Depay and generally controlling the game after Wolfsburg’s goal. He visibly tired in the second half, though, and was replaced by Phil Jones. Unsurprisingly, United missed Schweinsteiger’s leadership and nearly threw away the lead.

Juan Mata – 9

The Spaniard was comfortably United’s best player. His goal-bound shot was superbly blocked by Dante in the first half, while Memphis spurned an opportunity following his excellent cross. He did, however, get United back into the game when he scored from the spot after his cross was handled in the area by Caligiuri. In the second half, his natural inventiveness shone through when he flicked a ball over the top of the Wolfsburg defence for Smalling to score. Mata now has nine goals and assists already this season.

Wayne Rooney – 5

After a decent performance at the weekend, United’s captain was dreadful against Wolfsburg. He struggled to keep up with the game physically and offered very little in attack. He lost possession a number of times in key areas in the second half, and United were lucky not to be punished. It was a performance that begs the question: how much longer can Louis van Gaal keep playing him? The No. 10 role is the only position he can feasibly play at this moment, but there are at least two or three players who should be picked ahead of him on form and ability.

Memphis Depay – 5

The Dutchman had a poor night against Wolfsburg. He saw a lot of the ball in the first half but did very little with it. He should have done better in front of goal when Mata clipped a wonderful cross into his path. Ultimately, his wastefulness saw him substituted, and he could have been taken off much sooner. Memphis will undoubtedly blossom into a fine player, but this performance was the latest in a series of disappointing displays.

Anthony Martial – 7

The Frenchman was superb for United at times in the game. He didn’t get any real chances to score, but his link-up play, endeavour and work-rate couldn’t be faulted. Some of his touches close to the penalty area were fantastic and a goal would have capped another fine showing from the 19-year-old. Martial might not have been expected to become so key to United so early on, but right now he deserves to play each and every game.

Substitutes:

Ashley Young – 6

After replacing Valencia at half-time, Young was deployed as a makeshift right-back and did a very decent job. It was clear he was playing out of position but, all things considered, he played well. His versatility across the pitch could prove important to United this season.

Andreas Pereira – 6

The youngster found himself thrown in at the deep end but played a part in helping United see the game out. He was introduced mainly as a result of Memphis’ struggles and as Wolfsburg piled on the pressure, didn’t really get an opportunity to show what he can do in attack.

Phil Jones – 6

His physicality came in handy as United defended deeper in order to protect the lead.

Next: Man Utd battle to huge 2-1 win over Wolfsburg