United Players Rated from the 1-0 Win over Benfica

Here’s how Manchester United’s players fared in the 1-0 win over SL Benfica in the UEFA Champions League-

De Gea- 6
Didn’t have anything to do apart from making a couple of catches. Was involved a lot in the opening few minutes as Benfica applied pressure and so he received the ball a lot of times. Was a spectator for most of the game.

Valencia- 6
Wasn’t involved as much in attack as he should have but was flawless defensively. Booked in the first half for a silly challenge.

Lindelof- 7.5
Hasn’t really got his chance in the league but looks at home in the UCL. Was solid in defence and was assured when in possession of the ball. Completed some clever through passes as well.

Smalling- 6.5
Handled Benfica’s attackers well and was never really flustered. Made a couple of well-timed headed clearances which proved to be crucial.

Blind- 5.5
Was invisible for most of the game. Didn’t have anything much to do in defence so one thinks that he contributed more in attack. But no, he didn’t complement Rashford at all. Needs to improve his involvement in attack otherwise players like Young, Darmian or even Shaw could move ahead of him in the pecking order.

Herrera- 6
With Pogba and Fellaini out injured, Herrera should’ve taken this chance with both hands but he didn’t do so. Didn’t have any major impact on the game and his only positive contribution was his energy and work-rate.

Matic- 7.5
Made a couple of interceptions and a number of well-timed tackles against his former side. Protected his back four well and made some ambitious forward passes as well.

Mata- 6
Couldn’t do anything of note in the final third as the final touch eluded him. Looks more comfortable behind the striker than on the wing.

Mkhitaryan- 5
Is known for his creativity but has struggled to create chances in recent games. Clinched five assists in the opening three games of the season but has had a downhill journey since then as he’s only managed two goals and that too in routs. Badly needs a goal which could serve as a confidence booster.

Rashford- 7
Good performance from the young attacker who scored the only goal of the game. Looked dangerous on the wing throughout the game and could’ve scored with a volley just after the break but his effort was saved.

Lukaku- 5.5
Not a convincing performance by his standards. Had averaged a goal a game but has struggled to do anything of note in the last two games. Hit the post from a Rashford corner but gave away a foul instead. Looks short of confidence at the moment.

SUBSTITUTES

Martial- 6
Looked dangerous with his silky dribbling and skills but had too little time to help his team score another goal. Has been pretty impressive in UCL games so it was surprising to see him start on the bench.

Lingard- 5.5
Was energetic but did nothing more than that as he was given the task of tracking back and helping his teammates.

McTominay- NA
Came on in the stoppage time as a time-wasting substitution.

Subs Not Used- Romero, Jones, Darmian, Young.