Manchester United Player Ratings: Reds come from behind to win in Luke Shaw’s first start

Luke Shaw hadn’t started a game for Manchester United all season, however, when he was named amongst the starting XI for the match, fans were eager to see how he’d perform.

Shaw was a breath of fresh air at the left-wing back. Don’t get me wrong, Ashley Young has been fantastic there, but you can tell he’s a converted winger. Shaw, on the other hand, was playing like  classic full-back.

He was full of bursts forward and was a fantastic outlet when things in the final third stalled.

Manchester United scored twice in the second half to come from behind against CSKA Moscow and book their place in the knockout stages.

Along with Shaw, Pogba was once again excellent. His passing was superb. He drove forward with the ball and was certainly a contender for man of the match in the 2-1 win.

Here’s our player ratings:

Player ratings

GK Sergio Romero, 7.5 — Romero was at little fault for the visitor’s first goal of the evening. He made several fantastic stops in the second half to preserve the lead for United.

DF Antonio Valencia, 7.5 — Another fantastic match from the Ecuadorian. Burst forward as always. Was wrongfully denied a penalty in the first half.

DF Victor Lindelof, 7.5 — Lindelof always looks more comfortable in Europe and tonight was no exception. Was calm in posession and found his teammates well.

DF Chris Smalling, 6.5 — The Englishman could have scored another header, but he somehow missed a point-blank effort.

DF Daley Blind, 7 — Blind was back in the heart of defense, but wasn’t shy about going forward. Played as an extra CDM for parts of the game.

DF Luke Shaw, 9 — Shaw came agonizingly close to scoring twice this match. He’s been a frustrating player for United, but tonight showed signs of promise. He looked back to his best, and Mourinho was impressed with his display.

MF Ander Herrera, 7 — Herrera filled in for Matic today, and was busy. He all over the pitch, and helped shield the back three.

MF Paul Pogba, 9 — Pogba put on another show for the Old Trafford faithful. The 24-year old brought out all the tricks tonight. His delightful lob into Romelu Lukaku was the cherry on top.

MF Juan Mata, 8.5 — The Spaniard was given a start in some while tonight, and he came to play. Mata was pressing like he hasn’t done in years and it paid off. He assists Rashford’s winner.

FW Marcus Rashford, 8.5 — Rashford hadn’t scored for 9 games, but he finally found his name on the scoresheet after this match. He hit the post in the first half, but his determination paid off as his low-driven effort gave United the win.

FW Romelu Lukaku, 8 — Lukaku looked to be on his way to another frustrating afternoon. He should have put United ahead early in the match however, he came to the rescue in the second half. He latched on to the end of Pogba’s wonderful ball to tie the match.

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Substitutes

MF Scott McTominay, 6.5 — On for Herrera in the 65′. The 20-year old picked up some experience to go along with his yellow card. Promising player for sure.

DF Axel Tuanzebe, 7 — Just his second appearance all year, Tuanzebe is one to watch for sure. On for Valencia in the 72′, ther versatile defender looked composed as anyone out there.

Anthony Martial, NR, — The birthday boy came on for Lukaku in the 74′ but didn’t have time to impact the match.

Next: Manchester United’s Paul Pogba handed massive ban by English FA

This was a great way to end the group stages for Manchester United. The team fought back for a hard-earned three points and finished atop group A.