It all started so brightly, with Manchester United carving out several good scoring chances in the opening minutes of Tuesday’s second leg. Trailing 1-0 on aggregate, the Reds needed a more clinical touch in front of goal. Instead, Lionel Messi took over and ended United’s Champions League run with a first-half brace.
Now, United must claw their way back into the Premier League’s top four just to get another crack at this competition next season.
David De Gea: 4
Huge mistake on Messi’s second goal, which effectively killed off the tie. De Gea rallied to keep out Sergi Roberto’s shot just before halftime — but that was too little, too late.
Phil Jones: 5
Messi had him on skates all night long. That happens to lots of defenders, though. Early on, Jones headed away a dangerous cross just in front of Luis Suarez at the back post.
Victor Lindelöf: 5
Tough assignment at right back. Lindelöf had his hands full with Coutinho and Jordi Alba, which limited his opportunities to push forward. Decent performance overall.
Chris Smalling: 5
Allowed too much space to Messi and Coutinho on their goals. Solid enough at the back.
Ashley Young: 2
Brutal night for the United captain. Young turned the ball over to Messi in the lead-up to the opening goal. And it didn’t get much better from there. His crosses and corners continue to be a liability.
Fred: 5
VAR correctly saved him from conceding a penalty early in the first half. Slow of foot and mind on Messi’s opener. Struggled to stamp his authority on the game.
Scott McTominay: 5
A poor touch in the box wasted an early scoring chance. McTominay worked hard, but made little impact.
Paul Pogba: 5
Strong start, but tapered off quickly. Pogba grew noticeably frustrated as the game slipped away, drawing Lingard’s ire after a low-percentage shot from long range. On the biggest stage, he did little to impress.
Anthony Martial: 4
Still some way off his best. All the talent in the world, but his development seems to have stalled. Solskjaer pulled him after the third goal.
Jesse Lingard: 5
Pressed well early on, but didn’t offer enough going forward.
Marcus Rashford: 6
Clipped the crossbar inside the first minute. Rashford’s speed and movement always makes him a threat, but he can’t afford to waste good chances like that against Barcelona. Taken off early, probably with one eye on Everton this weekend.
Diogo Dalot (Sub, 65’): 6
Nearly an assist in the closing moments.
Romelu Lukaku (Sub, 73’): 5
No impact.
Alexis Sánchez (Sub, 80’): 5
Close to a goal on his Camp Nou return.