Manchester United 2-3 Wolfsburg: Player Ratings

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With Manchester United out of the Champions League after a defeat to Wolfsburg, player ratings only see few players shine

Manchester United were knocked out of the Champions League on matchday six as the Red Devils lost 2-3 to Wolfsburg in Germany. The Red Devils finished third in the group behind PSV Eindhoven and Wolfsburg and will now be playing in Europa League with the draw taking place on Monday.

The Red Devils took an early lead with a good goal from Anthony Martial – assisted with a delicious pass from Juan Mata.United then failed to hold on to the lead as Naldo equalised for the home side with a brilliant finish from a set-piece.

The hosts kept on attacking and were then rewarded for their hardwork when they took the lead on 30 minutes when Vieirinho finished off a brilliant move orchestrated by Julian Draxler.

Louis van Gaal’s side then tried to get back into the match with a number of attacks in the second half and were rewarded in 80^th minute when they forced an own goal from Joshua Guilavogui. United again couldn’t hold on the scoreline as Naldo scored from a corner just two minutes later.

Goalkeeper David De Gea made numerous saves in the match to keep his team in the tie. He made a brilliant stop to avoid Julian Draxler from doubling his team’s lead while Andre Schurrle saw his effort saved in the second half. And below are the player ratings from the game.

Matteo Darmian (6/10)

The Italian struggled during his time on the pitch. His attacking play was disappointing as he surged down the flank but the end product was very poor. He lost Julian Draxler during the build up for the second goal and he was substituted just before half time due to a hamstring injury.

Chris Smalling (7/10)

The captain for the day had a considerably quiet outing. Smalling left Naldo unmarked for the first goal but other than that he hardly did anything wrong defensively. He suffered a groin injury at the end of the match but continued to play. The England man almost scored from a set-piece when his shot was cleared off the line from a Wolfsburg defender.

Daley Blind (6/10)

The left footed defender was exploited by Max Kruse at times. He made some key interceptions and won important duels in the heart of the defence. His distribution from the back was tidy. His deliveries from corners were dangerous and could have lead to goals for Red Devils.

Guillermo Varela (7/10)

Varela made his first start for Manchester United and impressed. Schurrle oftern got better of the 22 year old early on but as the game went on he settled well and did his job well defensively. He bombed forward with confidence and contributed well in the final third.

Bastian Schweinsteiger (5/10)

The German captain endured a poor performance. He was often outran in the midfield and didn’t shield the defence well which exposed United on counter. His distribution was also poor as he lost the ball in midfield for Wolfsburg’s second goal. The 31 year-old was rightfully subbed for Michael Carrick in the second half as he was struggling to pull strings in middle of the park.

Memphis Depay (7/10)

The former PSV winger had a decent game as he was trying to create chances for his team in final third. Depay also done his defensive duties which he has been criticised for in the past. He almost equalised with a bicycle kick in what was a promising outing for Depay.

Marouane Fellaini (6/10)

The big Belgian started as an attacking midfielder and barely made any impact in the game. He came close to scoring after Wolfsburg’s equaliser only for it to be cleared off the line. The former Everton man then forced the own goal from Wolfsburg in the second half but apart from that he hardly did anything adventurous in the final third.

Juan Mata (7/10)

The Spaniard started in his favoured number ten role and he straightaway showed his quality with a sublime assist for United’s first goal. He kept on ticking the play for Manchester United and tried to find his teammates in the final third. A very good performance from Mata after being off form for more than a month. Still lacking that extra firepower needed to make him one of the best in Europe.

Jesse Lingard (6/10)

The 22 year-old started on the right flank but was kept quiet. He worked tirelessly on and off the ball but couldn’t find the killing edge in the final third. He performed his defensive duties well and almost grabbed a crucial goal for the visitors only for it to ruled offside as Mata was found to be in offside position.

Anthony Martial (8/10)

The young Frenchman was at his best as he was making clever runs between the the defence line. He was rewarded for his hardwork with a cool and calm finish past Benaglio which gave United an early lead. He often dropped deep to help his teammates to initiate the attacks and was often successful. A good performance and confidence booster after a recent run of games with no goals.

Next: Van Gaal disappointed with exit

Substitutes:

Cameron Brothwick Jackson (7/10)

A decent debut in Champions League for the youngster. The youngster slotted in well at the left-back and contributed well while defending and going forward.

Michael Carrick (6/10)

Hardly made any impact after coming on for Schweinsteiger. Now in his mid-30’s, Carrick kept the play ticking but couldn’t find the killer ball to meet the forward. He was guilty of losing Naldo on corner for Wolfsburg’s third goal.

Nick Powell (6/10)

The 21 year old made a comeback in the first team after a long time. Looked rusty and needs more playing time.

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